I led the Pentecost Service this last Sunday, tentatively because I knew what I was compelled to say. Rather than focussing on the Pentecostal explosion of flame and wind, I focussed instead on the ongoing story of God’s visitation as progressively present in our bodies and minds. Not always a great woosh - but true. True presence. Inside our bodies. Widsom, beyond eternity, working from our very flesh and bones, gives us power beyond ourselves to hope, to stare into the turmoil of these times in our planet and know that we’ll have the courage to face anything. God, Godself, named as Holy Spirit gives this. I also focussed on the often overlooked reason for the sudden whoosh of language coming out of the disciple’s mouths in the languages of those gathered. The purpose of God in Holy Spirit is to fill us with that which will help others understand. It is not to save just us and no one else. The infilling of Holy Spirit is to help us build communities of Justice and to receive our own healing as we do.
I told our church about my experience of this physically happening for the first time well over 40 years ago now, then remaining with me for life. This moment I write this blog. I name it. I’m a Charismatic. And I’m a progressive theologian. They/We exist. I was compelled to ‘Come Out’ to my church on Sunday. Here is the service if you want to listen.
This painting is called Red (Holy Spirit colour). A mirror image of me - because I had to look in the mirror :-)