Pentecost (sometimes called Whitsunday)- John 14: 16-17

To start, let us consider the early Christian name for this day, Pentecost. The name comes from the Greek word "fifty." Among Greek-speaking Jews, this title was already applied to the Jewish "Feast of Weeks" which began fifty days after Passover. At this feast, weeks after Jesus's Resurrection, the Holy Spirit descended upon the hesitant disciples and transformed them into the living Church (Acts 2:1-21). This makes Pentecost one of the ancient and great feasts of the Church based on Scripture.  Later, as Christians developed a calendar, the Church set this commemoration for the fiftieth day after Easter. 

We know that the world is filled with many confused and confusing opinions on the Holy Spirit and spiritual matters. And the best way to avoid unsound teachings is to focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ about the Holy Spirit. In today's gospel from John 14:16-17 Jesus says, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (KJV)

In these words of our Lord, we are reminded of the origins of the Spirit's work among believers. The Holy Spirit comes among Christ's followers as a gift from God the Father at the intercession of Jesus Christ. Although Scripture speaks of many functions and gift of the Spirit, here our Lord stresses two chief characteristics. The Holy Spirit is our comforter, helper, and guide in appreciating and applying divine truth. And the Holy Spirit comes from the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit shares the holy nature of the Father and the Son, and He must be distinguished from the spirits of the surrounding world.

The Holy Spirit comes from the Father in Christ's name. His work is inseparable from the saving work of the Father and the Son. As the Holy Spirit guides us, He does not bring a new revelation. Instead, the Spirit helps us apply what has already been revealed in the words of Jesus. So Christians must be prudent in their spirituality. The true guidance of the Holy Spirit will always be consistent with the truth of the whole Biblical revelation, especially with Christ's words in the Gospels.

Sunday after Ascension Day- Colossians 3:1

In reflecting upon Christ's Ascension, a verse that the Prayer Book tradition assigns to Easter has always seemed to have a meaningful application to the Ascension. That verse is Colossians 3:1: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." Christians have been united with the risen and ascended Christ through Baptism and Faith. And because of our unity with Him, we have been offered a new perspective. 

Although we remain in this world, we should have a heavenly focus through our risen and ascended Lord Jesus. The difficulties of earthly life are real, but Christ has already overcome them on our behalf. That means that we have a new heavenly perspective on ourselves, other people, and worldly events. We have confidence that divine goodness triumphs through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Intercessor. As the collect for this Sunday indicates, we pray that the Holy Spirit may "exalt us unto the same place whither our Saviour Christ is gone before" (1928 BCP, p. 179).

Ascension Day 2023- Luke 24:50-52

Thursday, May 18, 2023, is Ascension Day, the fortieth day after Christ's Resurrection. The Annunciation and the Ascension might be considered as two bookends for Christ's earthly ministry. The Ascension of Jesus back to the heavenly realm is mentioned in a number of New Testament Scriptures (notably Luke 24:50-52) and is a basic Christian doctrine affirmed in the ancient ecumenical Creeds. 

Christ's Ascension marks the end of His physical ministry on earth and the beginning of His heavenly rule and intercession at the right hand of God the Father. As an ending, it may be associated with wistful feelings about Jesus' days on earth, but as a beginning of His heavenly reign, Ascension Day is cause for rejoicing and thanksgiving. It also points believers in hope toward our Lord's final triumphant return.

Easter V- Rogation- John 16:23

The Fifth Sunday after Easter has long been called Rogation Sunday. This name is derived from the Latin verb rogare, which means "to request, to pray." The theme of prayer is found in the Gospel for the Sunday. In John 16:23, Jesus promises His disciples, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." This verse marks the beginning of the Christian practice of praying in Jesus' name.

Sometimes, we may wonder how this promise can be true. Disciples ancient and modern have not always prayed wisely or consistently. Even prayers for clearly good things do not always receive an obviously affirmative or immediate answer. Often our human requests are limited in outlook or intention. There may even be times when with hindsight we are happy that our original petitions were not fulfilled exactly the way we had in mind. Nevertheless, we do believe Christ's promise is true. We believe that God does hear and answer prayers that are truly in Christ's name.

So what does it really mean to pray in Jesus' name? Praying in Christ's name, for His sake, or through Him means that we pray according to His nature and intentions. It means praying with a humble and faithful attitude. Such prayers may include various specific requests, but more importantly, they always include the idea, spoken or unspoken, "thy will be done." The privilege of praying in the name and in the spirit of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus is one of the greatest gifts for us as Christians, Let us make good and continuous use of this gift!

Easter IV- John 16:13-14; James 1:18-21

The Epistle and the Gospel for this Fourth Sunday after Easter seem to be different and distinctive texts. James 1 has some very practical everyday advice for living. John 16 contains high theological thoughts about Christ's departure and the coming of the Comforter, the Holy Ghost. Yet, there is a theme in common. That theme is "the truth."  In James 1:18, we are told that as believers, God has begotten "us with the word of truth." In John 16:13-14, Jesus says, "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."

What is this word of truth? It is several things. Ultimately, the word of truth is Jesus Christ, God the Son, the eternal Word. And the word of truth is the Holy Scriptures, especially the Gospel of salvation through faith in our crucified and risen Lord. This message is the greatest truth of the universe, and as James 1:21 indicates, when received in humble faith, the word is able to save our souls! Thanks be to God! Alleluia!