Sunday of Pentecost
The context of this reading is the Feast of Sukkot (also known as Booths or Tabernacles). (Click here to read about the Sunday of the Blind Man, which also draws on the Feast of Sukkot.)
This celebration recalls how God gave life to the Hebrews while they wandered in the desert after their freedom from Egyptian slavery (the Exodus).
Major symbols for this feast are water and light.
Even though we read this passage for a different feast, water and light still play an important role and have deep significance.
Jesus is the Light from whom rivers of living water flow.
The water is the Holy Spirit that is poured out on all Christians.
Through the flowing of the Holy Spirit and the hearing of God’s Word we become believers and gain eternal Life.
Scripture: John 7:37-52; 8:12 (click here to read)
Bottom Line: Because we have the Holy Spirit, God is continually guiding us.
Discussion Questions
- Why would water and light represent the Holy Spirit? How might it represent Life? What do these images say about Christ and the Holy Spirit?
- Jesus said this about a believer, “’Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.” What does he mean? What does “rivers of living water” look like when it flows from your heart? How might you make it flow continually?
- Jesus asks us to follow him. How have you followed him this past week? How have you failed to follow him?
- One of the hymns for this fast states that the Holy Spirit made “ . . . the fishermen all-wise, by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them You drew the world into Your net.” How can you become a “fisherman” and draw those around you to Christ?
Moving Forward
Today, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church.
But did you know that each of us had our own personal celebration of Pentecost when we were baptized.
After we were immersed in the water three times, the priest chrismated us and said, “The Seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
With these words, we each became newly illumined.
This feast is a great time to recall how we were illumined and walk as a new creation.
Changing Your Mind
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life’.” (John 8:12)
Thank you both.