Day of Pentecost (Year 4, NL)

This Sunday is one where some re-education and re-framing might be helpful.

An incident in Germany reminded me who we all belong to.

Poor Philip just needs a little more from God. I know how he feels.

Do antisemitic appeals to the Bible always constitute an abuse of scripture? Would that it were so simple.

The Spirit affirms our differences, speaking in ways that each of us can understand—yet also drawing us together.

Divisions mark our society—and our churches. What could possibly bring us together?

Most social problems are rooted in the failure of the strong to be gentle with others.

What does true joy require of us?

How can we overcome our anxiety? And should we even try?

“According to Islam, Jesus always speaks the truth. The question is how we understand it.”

John 14:15–21

The main purpose of prayer is to enjoy God.

Those who heard the disciples preach on Pentecost comprehended the message in their own language. But that was only the beginning.

In Acts comes Luke’s imaginative way to build upon ancient stories. The tongues of fire are no longer seen from afar on top of God’s mountain. And the multiplicity of languages becomes God’s vehicle for bringing salvation to the entire world.

Pentecost offers a vision for Europe: not one megastate or one system for everything, but a model of diversity as peace.