Pentecost

Sunday is Pentecost in the Western Christian World. The British call it Whitsun, short for White Sunday, describing the white robes that the newly baptized would wear on Pentecost.

For the rest of us, the word Pentecost has its origin in two words: PENTE, which means FIVE, and COST, which is the NASDAQ symbol for Costco.

I hope that is helpful.

The Jewish expression of faith in the only God YHWH was manifested through temple worship, the priesthood, and the three yearly festivals of Tabernacles, Passover and Pentecost.

Our Savior referred to his body as God among us and a temple that would be destroyed but resurrected. As chief priest, he intercedes for us. He is our Passover lamb.

Likewise, the church is the Temple of the Spirit, a People of Priests, a Harvest that “started” on Pentecost, the day Peter stood up before an amazed crowd who had heard the wonderful actions of God declared in their own language, only to hear the most wonderful deed yet: The resurrection and reign of Jesus, the promised Messiah.

Be filled with wonder this Sunday, for forgiveness is offered, and God through Spirit has made his home in the church… In you.