Today is Pentecost Sunday! We dress in red, yellow and orange, the colors of celebration. We wear these bright colors as a reminder, a reminder that we need this thread of connection that becomes real through the Holy Spirit. Maybe I should start by saying, “I need this thread of connection”. I say this because each time I have experienced this mysterious movement of the Spirit, each time I’ve had the opportunity to enter into this thin space that gives me these rare glimpses into the spiritual world, I am changed, and strengthen in my faith. Often there are no words to describe what happens on the inside! No wonder this is one of my favorite Sundays, I have had countless experiences of the Holy Spirit moving within me in both ways of being comforted, supported, being push and challenged, always connecting me to the source of all life.

The Spirit’s movement has been a powerful reality for me in my life of ministry. I’ll never forget this one experience I had very early in my ministry. It was when I was training to be a hospital chaplain. I was standing outside a patient’s room waiting for a team of doctors who were surrounding her bed to leave. The minute I entered the room my eyes met the patient’s eyes, and I knew I was where I was to be exactly at this very moment. I learned immediately that the doctors had just told her that she had an incurable cancer. I sat down beside her and held her hands, I had no words. It was a Holy moment where we were both caught up in this web of connection. We sat together for a long time…ending our time together in prayer. Those kinds of experiences linger with us and it certainly did with me. The next morning, right away I went right up to her room, my spirit so connected to her that I wanted to say goodbye before she left the hospital. To my dismay she had already been discharged. Oh, I thought and prayed, only to see her one more time but that was out of my control. A couple of days went by, and I was walking into the hospital. Now first I have to tell you that chaplain students parked in the farthest garage and as I was getting close to the hospital there is one small hallway that connects where the patient/family parking is to the main hallway…and to my surprise who did I see? I couldn’t believe this gift that was given to me. There was this very patient with her mother.

We had a connection! I don’t even know what we said to each other, but I know we hugged, a truly holy moment. We had this connection, a thread connecting us to God and to each other, a connection that seemed to almost diminish the sadness of her illness. This is a story about the Holy Spirit that still moves me today and I’ve had so many more moments like this.  Moments when the Spirit breaks into a situation and I am changed!

This passage in John speaks to me in this same light. Jesus knows what is ahead for him and we clearly see this heart felt bond he has with his disciples and this longing to stay connected. He is paving the way for the connection to remain even when he will not be visibly present to them. Jesus tells the disciples that he will ask God and God will send to them another Advocate to be with them forever. This Spirit, this Holy Spirit is a thread linking everything together. The Spirit will continue Jesus’ work without replacing him. But here is the catch, the Spirit needs a vessel, a place to connect, the disciples will become a home for the Holy Spirit. The disciples, they for sure will need an advocate; a support, an encourager, a permanent presence to uphold them, to be on their side as they navigate.

For so long I have viewed the work of the Holy Spirit as this private encounter like the story I shared with you. But since being here, you have helped me to see the work of the Holy Spirit in a larger context.  You will remember in the Book of Acts the Holy Spirit is described as a violent wind and tongues of fire. There is movement and energy, a consolidation of power and momentum. The Holy Spirit not only connects us to God and Christ but is also connects us to one another. The thread of connection continues to grow and grow. The Holy Spirit is at work right here at now!

I have witnessed leaders stepping up, working together and transforming our committees. I have seen hearts on fire that continue to spread and grow to whole groups of people. The youth are preaching, ringing bells, wrestling with deep faith questions. Music is sung and notes played. I have heard and seen voices of truth, helping us to gain broader perspectives bringing healing and understanding. I have seen families eating dinner together, supporting one another, listening to each other. And we know how many volunteers it takes to make this church run! The Spirit has been and continues to be at work here in our individual lives and in our life together.

There are times we might miss the movement of the Spirit. Times we forget there is this powerful God given force that is present to all of us. At times like this we need to remind each other of the Spirit’s presence, we need to make visible what often is invisible in each other. The Holy Spirit comforts us, supports us, pushes us and challenges us in a multiplicity of ways sometimes better seen by others than ourselves…but most of all the Holy Spirit always connects us to the source of all life and to each other. And this connection is always life giving!

Come Holy Spirit fill us with your love and connect us to one another so we can always choose love so we can be the light that changes the world! Amen