Happy Pentecost Friends!
From Confusion to Clarity
Dazed and confused! That is one way we could describe the disciples after Jesus died. Locked in the Upper Room, they had to be questioning everything about Holy Week and the crucifixion of their friend Jesus. Was he really the Messiah? He was so different than what they and their ancestors had anticipated. Really, he was the opposite of what they had hoped for. Now all their hopes were dashed in his brutal death. What had just transpired? The one who was supposed to restore Israel, gather the nations, and rule as a King in a Kingdom of goodness that would last forever was dead and gone just like every other human being who died before him. What good was he to the disciples now? Did this mean “game over?”
Then, Pentecost! Rush of wind and fire! The Holy Spirit of clarity, revealing to the disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead and conquered sin and death forever! Yes, he is the King that will rule with goodness forever! It is not game over. It is just beginning! The disciples move from confusion to clarity because of the Holy Spirit.
We live in the age of confusion. Who am I? Why am I here? How do I identify? All of these questions about identity and purpose are answered by the Holy Spirit! That is why we are so focused on the Holy Spirit here at Saint Charles. If we do not have the Holy Spirit, we will live a confused and clueless life and that is the exact opposite plan that Jesus has for us. Jesus wants us to be Uber clear that our identity is in Him and he has a definite plan and direction for each and every one of us.
Friends, remember our mission statement here is, “To know the power of the Holy Spirit and live the life of Christ.” The Holy Spirit wants us to be infinitely clear on what living the life of Jesus looks like. This clarity is happening more and more each day in our community. I am so excited about how the Holy Spirit is bringing us into the light and life of Christ. Yes, we continue to pray and live together asking the Holy Spirit to show us who the Messiah is and just exactly how he is calling to live out his life each day.
Like I have shared with you before, I urge you to utter and keep uttering this prayer all your life long, “Come, Holy Spirit! “
Remember to wear red this Sunday for Pentecost, celebrating how the Holy Spirit is moving us from Confusion to Clarity!
+Fr John Amsberry
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