Listen

There were pious Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered. They were mystified because everyone heard them speaking in their native languages. They were surprised and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all the people who are speaking Galileans, every one of them? How then can each of us hear them speaking in our native language?”

Acts 2:5-8

Think

One of the most beautiful details of Pentecost is that each person listened in their own language. It was not confusion, it was connection. The Spirit does not force everyone to speak alike. Rather, the Spirit makes it possible for us to understand each other in the midst of our differences. In a world where there are so many barriers: language, culture, experiences, politics, etc., this is profoundly necessary.

The Spirit builds bridges. Being filled with the Spirit also means learning to listen. To pay attention to the stories of other people. To make space for different voices to be heard and valued. Understanding each other is not always easy. It requires patience, humility, and love. But that is where the Spirit continues to work. Perhaps today the call is not to talk more, but to be better listeners.

Jhanderys Dotel-Vellenga

Question to Ponder:

Who do you need to listen to most carefully in your life?

Pray

Spirit of unity, teach me to listen with love. Open my heart to people who are different from me. Make me an instrument of your peace. Amen.

Go

Go out into the world with care and courage. God’s Spirit goes with you, guiding your steps and working through your life to bring love, justice, and hope.