Transcript
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Please be seated.
There is something spectacular in the air today. Pentecost. It’s always been one of my favorite days in the church. Year. Today we celebrate the Holy Spirit. The spirit burst in like a mighty wind who appeared as tongues of fire and set the disciples hearts ablaze. Just look around. Red is everywhere. Vibrant. Joy filled. Red. Red today reminds us that the Holy Spirit’s fire didn’t just burn once long ago. The light of the spirit is here right now at Saint John’s. And wasn’t our procession this morning magnificent? You could feel it. The spirit’s warmth and the energy.
For me today also carries an extra measure of joy as it marks my very first sermon as your Curate. And I am so excited. If we haven’t had the chance to meet yet, I’m Ryan. And before anything else I want to say thank you. Thank you for welcoming me so wonderfully here at Saint John’s. Thank you for your kindness and the genuine spirit of hospitality I have felt in this historic place. Already I’ve witnessed your devotion and worship and the care that you show one another. And it all breathes life. It breathes life. What an honor it is to serve alongside Reverend Lisa and all of you, to be called into your legacy and your love means the world to me.
Now, today is aflame by the spirit. But it’s also bathed in the spirit. You could say it’s a spirit soaked day because here, in a few moments, right there at that beautiful font, Lily and Robert will be baptized, marked as Christ’s own forever. Forever. So, because today is so special, I’ve been holding these two images in my mind this week. Fire and water. Fire. The Holy Spirit. Pentecost. Fire and water. The waters of baptism.
But here’s the thing. Fire and water don’t usually mix right? Have you ever tried starting a camp fire after a rainstorm? If you have, you know exactly what I mean. You sit there with your matches, hopeful heart and soggy twigs. Just trying to make s’mores work. Yet in God’s kingdom, and here at Saint John’s, fire and water today beautifully come together. And here’s what I mean. This is what I know.
You see, sometimes the Holy Spirit moves in our lives like fire. Like the spirit igniting the disciples with boldness. Sent into the world with new purpose. Sometimes we feel the Spirit’s fire nudging us into action, calling us to do something new. But other times, the Holy Spirit moves in our lives like water. Like the peaceful waters of baptism, soon to wash over Lily and Robert. Sometimes the spirit flows gently within us to comfort us and to soothe our souls. Fire ignites courage. Water pours out peace. And today’s scripture readings reveal both sides of the spirit.
So let’s start with fire. In the book of Acts, the disciples are gathered together. Jesus had promised them the Holy Spirit. And you can almost feel their anticipation. Then suddenly rushing wind. Tongues of fire. Languages burst forth. Words they never learned, but everyone understands. That’s the Holy Spirit. Powerful, purposeful, life changing.
And I wonder if you’ve ever had a moment like that. Now, maybe not tongues of fire. Okay. But just as meaningful. Perhaps you felt the spirit nudging you to reconnect with someone, or to offer words of encouragement to someone. Someone God placed on your heart for a reason. Or maybe the Spirit’s sparking something new in you. A new vocation, a new ministry here at Saint John’s, or even just a small step in a new direction. And when you say yes, you’ll find that the Lord’s right there waiting for you. So I wonder if some of you feel that Holy Spirit today. Something smoldering. And I know you are out there. And if that’s you today, trust the Holy Spirit. Do not be afraid. God has always known you and loved you, and he will guide you every step of the way.
But fire is just one part of the Spirit’s story. Maybe today the Spirit’s moving more gently in your life, like calming waters to bring you comfort. And if so, today’s gospel from John is for you. Notice how different the gospel and Acts are. There’s no rushing wind, no flames, but Jesus reassuring his friends of what they need most. Peace. The advocate. The Holy Spirit. Jesus says, will teach you everything. My peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not let them be afraid.
Perhaps some of you today feel that same deep thirst for peace. Maybe you are grieving, or tired, or feeling overwhelmed by what you carry. And you’ve been quietly praying to the Lord for the rest. If that’s you today, may our worship be your sanctuary today. A place of peace. Breathe deeply. Let our prayers carry you for a while. And when Lily and Robert are baptized, imagine these waters gently washing over you too, reminding you that you are our God’s beloved too.
So today on Pentecost, I invite each of us to ask ourselves, how is the spirit moving in me? How is the spirit moving in me? Is the spirit moving like fire, nudging you to something new. Or, is the spirit moving like water, calling you to rest in Christ’s peace? Whatever it is, whether a gentle whisper or a fire in your spirit, when you sense it deep down within you, lean into it. Listen deeply. The Holy Spirit knows you. Loves you, calls you by name.
Because God has always been there, right beside you and promises never to leave. in a few moments, when Lily and Robert are baptized. May that moment be a reminder of the same promise for Lily, and Robert. For you and for me. That God loves you and God will never lose you.
So come, Holy Spirit, come as fire to inspire our souls. Come as water to refresh our hearts. Fill us, renew us. And draw us ever closer to you. Come Holy Spirit, come Holy Spirit, come Holy Spirit. Amen.