Journeying to Pentecost

As I journey now from crucifixion, to resurrection, to ascension, and then the filling by the Spirit, I invite you to come along. Who knows where each of us might end up?

Crucifixion: Evidence of crucifixion abounds in the faces of innocent victims of war, in the news of violence against human beings because of religion, skin color, language, sexual identity, political preference, or cultural and ethnic origin. In the cries of the 7-year-old victim of bullying, the 13-year-old victim of rape, the victims of mass shootings. Our hearts are torn as we witness such suffering. There is suffering and death in each of our lives as well: the death of a loved one, the death of a dream, a plan, a job, a marriage, the death of fame, recognition, of a sense of self-worth. Perhaps even a sense that faith in God or the support of a spiritual community — even if once present — has died. Then we cry out with Jesus, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani, my God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” We might believe that all of these deaths, these crucifixions, are terminal, life-ending. But what if they hold within themselves a seed of transformation? “Unless a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest” (John 12:24).

Resurrection: We do not rise on our own. Jesus was raised by the Father. We are raised by God, or by God’s angels or ambassadors in the form of friends, counselors, even strangers. And there is no shame in signaling our distress and crying out for help as did Jesus on the cross. Part of the process of resurrection is seeking it. Remember the deaths, the crucifixions in your own life, and give thanks for those who heard your cry and offered a listening presence or a helping hand.

What can you do to bring transformation to those being crucified in our world today? There is always something to do, say, contribute to, pray for, speak up for, write about. Not one of us rises without help. It is within our power, with God’s help, to raise others.

Two personal examples, the first mundane but of no small significance: In 2010, Ron and I were on a 9½-month RV trip. After many months on the road, I felt lonely and depressed. One afternoon in a rather derelict RV park, I learned that one of the permanent residents did haircuts and went over to her site. I have no memory of what we chatted about as she cut my hair, but I remember returning to the RV sky high with joy from the human connection. I was resurrected. Singing Glory! Alleluia!

The second example is of a very bad experience that was not shared with anyone for many years. Finally it was eating away at my very core. I had to ask for help. When help came in the listening heart of a friend, the embrace and then release of anger and doing a healing ritual, it was definitely Easter. The stone did roll away, and I came out of a tomb.

Ascension: When Mary Magdalene meets Jesus in the garden after he is raised, he cautions her, “Do not cling to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father” (John 20:17). Do not cling to me as you used to know me. Something new is afoot.

Ronald Rolheiser, in his book “The Holy Longing,” writes that clinging to losses, disappointments, judgements, frustrations and hurts, even clinging to “the way things used to be,” takes energy and takes up space inside us. Releasing all those things, letting them ascend, while giving thanks for what they have taught us, opens us to receive a new spirit and a way forward.

Rolheiser gives an example in church. God hasn’t changed since the 1950s and 1960s; but understandings, theology and worshipping communities have evolved. Clinging nostalgically to the church of “yesteryear,” or harboring complaints about that church; both impede our ability to enter this present moment and find blessing there.

Spirit: “Each one has a special gift from God, one person this gift, another one that gift” (1 Corinthians 7:7). “The Spirit’s presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all” (1 Corinthians 12:7).

So what gift of the Spirit do I seek this year? What gift do you seek? Shall we choose, or do we want to be surprised? Will I have the courage to run with, play with and work with whatever gift is offered? Maybe I will discern a gift already in me; I need only to open it!

If we have embraced our crucifixions (and worked to relieve the crucifixions of others), if we have rolled away the stone and come out of the tomb, if we have let go of the past, sending it heavenward, then bring on the Spirit!

Tucson faith leaders, we would like to include your original sermon or scriptures of encouragement. Sermons must be written by the person submitting them, not borrowed from another source or writer. If you are a faith leader from any religion or denomination, please contact Sara Brown at [email protected].