May 27th 2012

Those of you who have travelled to the Holy Land no doubt will have been taken to the place believed to be the Upper Room. Many are surprised that it is so large and spacious. We think of it as the place where Jesus was with just the twelve, an intimate space. However, in Acts One we read that about one hundred and twenty people gathered there in hope and expectancy and above all in prayer. Especially noted are certain women including Mary, Jesus’ Mother and we rejoice to note that Jesus’ brothers were there. They had not always been supportive as we read in Matthew 12: 26 and also in the other synoptic gospels. Peter assumed a leadership role and organizes the election of Matthias to take the place of Judas Iscariot among the twelve. They all continued together in prayer and fellowship. On the Jewish festival of Pentecost, they were all together there as usual and that which Jesus had promised them happened. The Holy Spirit came among them in the form of wind and fire and entered into each one. Wonderful things happened.

You remember at the time of Jesus’ ascension, the disciples asked “Is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel”? They still clung to the belief that they would be freed from the power of Rome, their earthly oppressors. Now each one of them received power through the coming of the Holy Spirit into their own personal lives. As Peter proclaimed to the crowds, “therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified”. On that day alone, about three thousand people joined the company of believers and were baptized. The power they received did not send them forth to fight earthly battles but “they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship and to the breaking of bread and the prayers” Act 2: 42. The apostles led them as they grew into a new life in the Holy Spirit.

There were opposition and trials which were an opportunity for witness. Some lost their lives. We remember especially James and Stephen. The church grew in Jerusalem and beyond and throughout the whole world. It grew from that first Pentecost down the ages to you and me. We have faced trials and tribulations but as we open ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit, we will go forward in faith and love.