From one to many and back to one. That's how the readings for Pentecost Sunday describe the work of the Holy Spirit. One Spirit is given in many different forms of witness and service for the same benefit.

None of us speaks the exact same language. The slightest change in tone or inflection can send out a message that will be received differently by 10 different hearers.

AMONG THE READINGS we don’t hear this weekend is the passage from Ecclesiastes 3 about the appointed time for everything. It would be a good one for Pentecost because it explores how transformative the simple motion of time can be.

The Lord brings spirit into us so that we may come to life, the prophet Ezekiel tells us, and that is what we believe happened at Pentecost for the disciples and what happens with Christians in every age as we confirm our faith in Jesus.

When I think of Pentecost I think of teaching my younger daughter to ride her bike. It was about this time of year many years ago that she was ready to try riding without training wheels.

At the wake of the priest who had died suddenly, I overheard among those standing around sadly that they felt he had "walked the talk." That is an interesting expression. Lots of us can verbalize our concerns with passion.

Pep rallies try to generate enthusiasm that will transfer over into more spirited play on the court or field. Every player knows the benefit of home-field advantage, which has as much, or more, to do with the cheering of the crowds as it does familiarity with playing in a particular location.

We ask for the forgiveness the Spirit of God gives us.

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled. The Jewish holiday, Shavuot, the Feast of "Weeks," occurs seven weeks after Passover. It is also known as Pentecost, the "fiftieth day" (after Passover).

At Pentecost . . . . like the limbs of a single   body, the separated members of the human race would be restored to unity by being joined to Christ, their common head, and welded into the oneness of a holy body by the fire of love. --Augustine of Hippo (354-430)