Learning to be Holy

​It seems the longest Season of the Church year Pentecost has come quickly upon us. We celebrate the presence of the risen Lord and fulfillment of Jesus promise to send his Advocate the Holy Spirit. Martin Luther in his small catechism in describing the 3rd Article of the creed as “On being made Holy.” It is through the Holy Spirit we can know Jesus and it is through the Holy Spirit us leads us to repentance and to receive forgiveness. Being Holy is being whole in the presence of God. It is through the Holy Spirit God calls us, not just us individually but as Christ’s body in the world to make the world, Holy. A world aware and alive because God’s presence. As John 3:17 says “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

How does Holy Spirit’s make the world Holy? “The Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and makes the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian Church He forgives daily and richly all sins to me and all believers” as stated in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.

We understand the Holy Spirit is a variety of ways: As Wind, Fire, A dove, a wild goose. It is certainly not something we can control or tame as John 3:34 reminds us that God “gives the Spirit without measure.” The Holy Spirit most simply described is an outpouring of God’s Love upon God’s people. Think about it, Love is often depicted in the same way: as a wild animal, as fire, as a fragrant breeze. So during Pentecost we celebrate this wonderful outpouring of Love upon God’s people the Church. This outpouring of Love is for the world God created.

The Holy Spirit works and inspires so many people in our congregation, giving them the energy and gifts to share God’s Love. To love their neighbors through words of forgiveness and caring but also by feeding the hungry, providing clothing, tending the sick, offering God’s presence. We worship together, we pray for each other and the world. We study God’s word and we try to follow Jesus out in the world. All this is happening here in this place. And that same Holy Spirit is working throughout the rest of the world too. Isn’t that exciting?

During this season I would ask that we do three things. First, be grateful for every breath and know the Holy Spirit is in each breath. Second, Pray for the Holy Spirit to surprise you, pray for open ears, eyes and mind. Lastly, Take time to study God’s word, it can be the lessons from Sunday or a devotional you like. Take some small action around what the Holy Spirit might be prompting you to do. You are not alone in these tasks. Ask your fellow pilgrims, remind each other to be grateful, pray with each other, take action together. The Holy Spirit is here in and among us inspiring and moving us to make not just ourselves Holy but the world around us as well.
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-Pastor Mark.