The Christ in us greets the Christ in you

In the Book of Leviticus 23:15-22 there is a connection between the Old Testament and New Testament origin of Pentecost. In Chapter 23: 15-22 it is written: “And from the day after the sabbath, from the day on which you bring the sheaf of the elevation-offering, you shall count off seven weeks; they shall be complete. You shall count until the day after the seventh sabbath, fifty days; then you shall present an offering of new grain to the Lord.” The word “Pentecost” is derived from the Greek word for 50 (pente) – in this case, a celebration of 50 days. 

In New Testament times, this day became especially significant for Christians because, seven weeks after the resurrection of Jesus, during the Jewish celebration of Shavuot/Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon his first followers, thus empowering them for their mission and gathering them together as a church. But today’s Pentecost story belongs to all of us, not just to the early Christians. The Holy Spirit is present and active in our lives and in our world, gathering us as the church and working through us to bring about the Good News of God’s loving presence in the world.

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Yours in Christ,

The Very Revd Moses Thabethe