Dear family in Christ

In Minnesota we joke that there are two seasons - Winter and Road Construction.  Like clockwork, the week after Easter, orange signs and cones sprung up.  Tiny colored flags and matching spray painted lines crisscrossed streets and yards.  Just this past week, I had to get out of my car and ask construction workers to move because they were blocking my driveway.  As much as we grouse and complain about the inconveniences and the detours, we know that this work is necessary.  In fact, we complain just as much about the poor condition of the roads, so I guess we just need to move on.

On Sunday, May 24 we celebrated Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples and all those in the near vicinity.  (see Acts 2)  We might look at the work of the Holy Spirit as construction season.  In the third article for the Apostles’ Creed, Martin Luther offers this explanation of the work of the Holy Spirit:

The Third Article

I believe in the Holy Spirit .

What does this mean?

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; just as He calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives me and all believers all our sins;  . . .

The Holy Spirit works in each of us to construct our unique gifts to be used in our daily lives and for the glory of God.  Lutherans call this vocation.

The Holy Spirit constructs the Christian Church by calling us together, giving us a mission, and reminding believers of the saving work of Jesus Christ.  This is not a one and done happening.  The Holy Spirit works daily creating and constructing.  As with road construction the work of the Spirit may not always be a welcome. In the Pentecost story in Acts 2, some of the people who overheard the disciples speaking in tongues thought the men were drunk.  They scoffed at the confusion they witnessed but others heard the amazing story of God’s love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  The same may be true as the Spirit moves us forward in our own faith and God’s work through the Church.        

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Eunice