PENTECOST VIII
July 18, 2021
“On the Job Training”
As the church year winds its way through the season of Pentecost, it can be challenging to have a very clear sense of timeliness. We’ve experienced the joy and fulfillment of Christ’s resurrection at Easter, the accounts of his appearances and the time he spent with his disciples, and his ascension into heaven. Following this rather short, intense period, the events of Pentecost take place, as the Holy Spirit arrives in dramatic, symbolic fashion, and those assembled hear the Good News proclaimed in their own languages. Now the season of Pentecost takes us on a new spiritual journey, and we are provided the opportunity to develop a better, deeper understanding of the early, foundational days of our Christian faith.
Have you ever begun a job with minimal preparation? Perhaps on paper, you’re qualified, but in the reality of day-to-day work, not so much. Even when you’re classified as trained or educated, it’s unlikely you’re ready to fly solo, and that’s when a helpful supervisor, manager, even co-worker, can make a great difference.
Following Jesus’ ascension into heaven, we may think the disciples were adrift and struggling to find a way to do the work they were called to by Jesus himself. However, there are similarities in three of the Gospels demonstrating that the twelve were in a training program throughout those three years. They didn’t just trail along from place to place, mostly listening and learning, or occasionally trying to herd the large crowds into some semblance of order. Rather, every one of them was learning on the job, being readied to be fully engaged in ministry when the time came. The Gospels of Matthew (Ch. 10), Mark (Ch. 6) and Luke (Ch. 9) all include accounts of Jesus sending pairs or small groups of disciples off to various locations, giving them his authority to teach, preach, and heal in his name. The Gospel of John (Ch. 15, 16) has a different tone, as there are warnings of persecution, danger, and even death. The promise of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, the Spirit of truth who will support and strengthen them is specifically spoken of in these chapters of John as well.
Jesus called upon these twelve individuals, and they left everything — home, family, livelihood — behind and followed in faith and trust the one they called Teacher. They were ordinary people who were able to do extraordinary things because they gave themselves wholeheartedly to Christ and the mission of sharing the Gospel.
Although we may not consider ourselves to be gifted in the way the disciples were, Martin Luther’s explanation of the Third Article of the Creed reminds us of qualities that all Christians share : I believe that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy, and kept me in the true faith.These words of reassurance tell us again that faith is a gift, and that we are loved and forgiven every day of our lives, with no limits, and because of this, we are well able to do the work before us!
Feeling ready, willing and able!
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers