Week of May 20, 2002
Lynn W.

"But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, 'Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:"

"In the last days it will be, God declares, That I pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, And all your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions and your old men dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, In those days, I will pour out my Spirit; And they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above, and signs on the earth below, Blood, and fire and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness And the moon to blood, Before the coming of the Lord's Great glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved."
     Acts 2: 14-21

This week the Vice President of my company addressed his group of employees and stated that we should respect each others culture and religious beliefs, and that stereotyping individuals will not be tolerated. In my business career, I never thought issues like these would have to be enforced or even suggested. In fact, the group of people who are affected by prejudices are usually overlooked in everyday scenarios by our government officials and businesses.

However, God pours out his Spirit to all flesh not a select group of people. It is when a person recognizes God's action in their life that one can share their faith with others. We all have different beliefs but there is only one faith in our Lord Jesus Christ! I have been fortunate to share my faith with my manager, who is a Muslim and he has shared his beliefs with me. One afternoon he wanted to speak to me about my sermon on "Transfiguration." After an hour and a half I found out why he gave up the Christian faith to become a Muslim. He also said to me that I needed to complete my sermon. I smiled and said this sermon is a living document and it will never be complete. For both of us, we have our differences but we both believe in God and are filled with His Spirit.

God does not stereotype his believers but fills them with His Spirit. As our comfirmands make their commitment to Christ, we also affirm our faith through baptism. Become aware of God's action in your life and share with others your faith; not only your belief. It is a probability that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" but the Christian who spreads the good news will make it a possibility through the Holy Spirit.

Gracious God and Counselor, fill us with your Spirit so that we can see your visions as pathways to our hearts. Keep our minds open to speak your words so that others can experience you in their lives. Heal us from our prejudices and renew us each day with your Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen

Contributed by Lynn W.
Published Monday May 20, 2002
Week 25 of Liturgical Year A