Written by clergy and lay people across our Diocesan community, ‘Sunday Devotions’ is a column of short reflections based on a Lectionary reading of the day, suitable for small group discussion or personal use.
Main Readings: Acts 2.1-21 or Ezekiel 37.1-14; Psalm 104.26-36; Romans 8.2-27 or Acts 2.1-21; John 15.26-27; 16.4b-15
Supplementary Readings: ‘Song of God’s Children’ (APBA p.394); John 14.15-26; Ezekiel 36.22-28; Psalm 103.13-22; 1 Corinthians 12.1-13
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8.22-23)
Childbirth. I have never experience this, but I have heard stories. Some wonderful, some horrific, although all of them carrying an essence of the pain it takes to bring new life into this world.
As I celebrate Pentecost, I am so deeply aware of the pain and suffering that our world is experiencing. Just as Paul wrote in his time, the truth remains – the whole of Creation groans in labour pains until now. Yet I will rejoice also, because it is on this day that I am reminded that I am not alone and that there is great reason to hope.
Just as Christ died for our sins, to bring hope of new life; the Holy Spirit dwells within us, to bear fruit of this new life. The Holy Spirit could be much like a midwife for us, I imagine. She coaches us, encourages us, and even advocates for us when we lose all words. How wonderful to think that we are not alone in the midst of this difficult time of birth, and that the Holy Spirit is our constant companion – both for us individually and as a Church.
May you go out today with hope and Holy Spirit fire into this groaning Creation – gifting our world with the fruits of new life.
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