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Pentecost -The fiftieth day by The Rev. Laura Queen Pentecost is the Greek name given to the Feast of Weeks so called because it fell on the 50th day after Passover, according to Josephus. The Old Testament refers to Pentecost as a feast celebrating the first-fruits of the corn harvest (Deuteronomy 16:9) and in most latter times the giving of the law by Moses was commemorated on this day. In the New Testament account the Holy Ghost descended on the Apostles on this day (Acts 2:1) the name was applied by the Church to the feast celebrating this event, popularly called Whitsunday. Whitsunday, or Whitsun, was a corruption of white Sunday reflecting the custom of those who were to be baptized who would wear white baptismal garments. Now Christians celebrating Pentecost wear red, in commemoration of the feast day. In the New Testament in the first chapter of Acts it points out that the disciples were still hoping for the promised conquering Messiah. They expected that he would immediately defeat and expel the Roman army from their lives. But Jesus said the next step was not grabbing weapons and gaining physical power. The next part of God's plan was for the disciples to be given - and to receive - power from the Holy Spirit. Rather than swinging their swords, disciples of Jesus would be expected to tell all they had seen and heard from Jesus. He had taught them and prepared them. Now it was their turn to do even greater things than he had done. And that witnessing and cooperative assignment was to spread worldwide. That first Pentecost after Christ's resurrection brought an outstanding demonstration of how the Lord transforms people. They didn't care about being in hiding for personal protection any more. They didn't care about being quiet about Jesus any more. In fact, they cared so much about saying whatever the LORD wanted them to say, that when they began speaking in words and languages they hadn't learned to speak, they didn't quench the Spirit. It is suggested that this is where the notion of preaching the Gospel throughout the world has its origins. The disciples heard a huge wind roar into their meeting room, and what seemed to be fire rested on each of them. The Pentecost event was the fulfillment of a promise Jesus gave regarding the Holy Spirit. It is the gift of the Spirit breathing life into a broken world. Pentecost is now observed on the seventh Sunday after Easter. It emphasizes that the church is understood as the body of Christ which is drawn together and given life by the Holy Spirit. It is also understood to be the origin and sending out of the church into the world. It is also considered the Church's Birthday. Pentecost is one of the seven principal feasts of the church year in the Episcopal Church and is an especially appropriate day to initiate new members into the church through the sacrament of Baptism. If you are interested in the sacrament of Baptism for yourself or your child on Pentecost, June 4, 2006, please contact the church office today. Copyright © 2006 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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