The Kitchen Sink
An occasional piece of paper
May 31, 2009
Vol. 12 no. 21

Everything But...
           We are back to the beginning again on this Pentecost Sunday. Most say the beginning of Christianity is found at Christmas with the birth of Jesus, the Incarnation of God with us. Can’t deny that one. Then 50 days ago we celebrated Easter and the Resurrection of Christ, and without that day nothing else makes sense, the real beginning.
          Now that most curious of events, the descending of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and many others at the harvest feast of Pentecost, is called the birthday of the Christian Church. During the whirlwind days with Jesus everyone went along for the wild ride, not knowing where it would all end up. It was only on this day that the apostles were galvanized as the Body of Christ and became a fellowship for the long haul. Symbolically, the season of Pentecost lasts six months, the long haul of the Christian year.
          I think everyone should have to begin again several times a year. There is so much to life, and so little of our capacity, that we just can’t begin only once. Sort of like heading out on a trip or holiday and once you have headed out and cannot turn back, inevitably you realize that you have forgotten something. Hopefully, it is not like of those “Home Alone” movies and you have forgotten someone!
          With different angles on the Christian pilgrimage we have at least three opportunities to begin. At Christmas, we realize that God became human in a way that allows you and me to become at least more godly. At Easter, the purpose of God’s humanity becomes clear - to defeat death. Now at Pentecost, we somewhat godly children are united to combat death, amongst ourselves and wherever we encounter it in the world.