The disrupting Spirit

Week 3: Tuesday

Reading

Acts 2.1-13

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’

Reflection

The beginning of Acts 2 records a decisive moment in the life of the Early Church. Some affectionately call it the birthday of the Church. But this is perhaps a rather a bland name for a truly dramatic event.

The Spirit comes in power and disrupts everything, fills everything, displaces everything! Disciples locked away in fear become emboldened. Those who could not speak were filled with a new energy, new giftings, and new fire. Peter, the one who had denied Jesus, becomes the first preacher. There is no shame here. There is simply a deep freedom in testifying to the great work of God in Christ Jesus.

Thanks to the disruptive power of the Spirit, those being hunted down by violent oppressors are now not afraid to disrupt the status quo to preach the truth of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Ultimately, the Spirit always disrupts lies, violence and fear.

Watch

Consider ways the Holy Spirit might be disrupting your life and plans.

...and pray

for humility to allow the Holy Spirit's power to reshape and redirect.

Copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2024.