Ordinary Time 
Pause
Stop for a moment. Take a deep breath. God’s Spirit is closer than you imagine, moving in your life even now. Open your heart to listen.
Listen
Peter stood with the other eleven apostles. He raised his voice and declared, “Judeans and everyone living in Jerusalem! Know this! Listen carefully to my words!
Rather, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young will see visions. Your elders will dream dreams. Even upon my servants, men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”
Acts 2:14, 16-18
Think
Peter, who was once afraid, now stands up and speaks boldly. Something has changed. The Spirit not only comforts; the Spirit also impels. The Spirit gives voice to those who were silent before. The Spirit invites us to share what God is doing in our lives and in the world.
The prophecy that Peter mentions in our scripture for today speaks of inclusion: young people, older people, men, women. All receive the Spirit. All have something to say and offer. That means your voice matters too. You don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers. You just need to be willing. To be filled with the Spirit is to allow what God is doing in us to be expressed through us as well. Perhaps today the Spirit is inviting you to speak, to share, to act, to raise a voice of hope and justice.
Jhanderys Dotel-Vellenga
Question to Ponder:
What truth or hope do you feel you need to share with others?
Pray
God, give me a spirit of courage to speak. Fill my words with truth and love. Use me to share hope. 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.
