"By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive." (John 7:39a)

When I say Pentecost what do you think of?  The Sunday everyone wheres red? Being the one who has to read all the names, and countries, in Acts 2?   The rushing wind, and fire, in Acts 2?  The dove descending on Jesus at his baptism?  The symbols - fire, wind, dove - used for people to think about the Holy Spirit?  Today is the day we celebrate Pentecost which is why I'm asking the question.....

The reading, in Acts, is about Peter standing up to answer the questions of the people gathered together asking questions.  There is the wind, and the fire, described on, around and in each of the disciples.  There is the ability of each of them to be able to speak in languages the people gathered can understand.  There is the description, in 1 Corinthians, of how we can all work together as one body, like the disciples in Acts 2, to help others understand God's love.  Jesus is pointing out, in John 7, the gift of the Spirit, to help each of us who are "thirsty for more" to be filled.  The Holy Spirit filling us, to overflowing, giving us strength.

In "Dynamite Prayer" (that we read back during Lent) the Greek word for the Spirit is given - dunamis.  We get our word "dynamite" from this word.  The POWER of the Holy Spirit!  Being filled to overflowing with the POWER of the Holy Spirit!  Is this what we think of?  Can we think of it this way?  Definitely something to think about.........

"if you love me, keep my commands.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever-"  (John 14:15-16)

Doing?  How often (sometimes daily) do we answer the question "what are you doing?"  Sometimes it is followed by "can you talk for a few minutes?"  Sometimes, like as I left for vacation, it is about what plans are -- "what are you going to do on your vacation?"  (I read and knit.)  Sometimes, like with the new graduates, it is "what will you be doing now?"  So...what is your answer? 

The readings, today, are about doing.  Are we doing what God is asking us to do?  In Acts we are reminded we are "God's offspring" (Acts 17:29) and God "commands all people everywhere to repent." (v. 30)  In 1 Peter we are told we need to "be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you" why you are following where God is leading. (1 Peter 3:15)  In our Gospel reading Jesus is telling us "if you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15)  Are we "Loving God with our heart, soul, mind and strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5) and keeping the Commandments?  IF we are doing these things are we able to answer questions about "why"?

As Caregivers we are pretty busy "doing" every day.  Are we taking time to stop and listen for what God is asking us to do?  Can we answer the question of "why"?  Something to think about...... 

"Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?" (John 14:9)
Show me...what are you asking someone to do when you say that?  We've talked about it as a way of learning.  I know I need to watch what you are doing before I understand something.  But what other ways do we think of "show me"?  What are some ways we can "show" someone something?

The Scripture readings today are about living our faith.  In Acts Stephen is stoned for telling people what he sees while he is "full of the Holy Spirit."  (Acts 7:55) Peter is pointing out the need to continue to be fed as we "crave pure spiritual milk" (1 Peter 2:2) so we can be "built into a spiritual house." (1 Peter 2:5)  And Jesus is asking if the Disciples have been paying attention because Jesus has been with them so "at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves."  (John 14:11)  Living our faith as a way of "showing" what God is doing, how God IS with us and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Is this what we are doing?  Are we listening for what God is asking us to do AND doing it?  Caregivers are busy and tired - I know - but can we at least share when we have felt God's presence and strength? When have we felt closest to Christ?  Something to think about.........