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? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; as well as residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the regions of Libya bordering Cyrene; and visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the mighty works of God in our own languages!” They were all surprised and bewildered. Some asked each other, “What does this mean?” Others jeered at them, saying, “They’re full of new wine!”

Acts 2:5-13

Think

I walked through the crowded, loud market and was captivated by what I was seeing, smelling, and hearing. Each vendor was speaking in their native language as they enticed folks to buy things that came from their specific culture. This was the first time I had been in one single place that was filled with people from literally around the world.

Amidst what could have been experienced as utter chaos there was actually a natural rhythm in the buying and selling, and with no shortage of haggling for the price.

Each of us comes from our own culture and context. More often than not, we stay close to home with those most like us. When we risk to venture out to new places and people, it can feel odd and awkward. Sometimes that feeling can make us judgmental toward others not like us.

Yet when we take a moment to listen and learn from those who differ from us we can see “the mighty works of God” are very much in their world too.

Brian Prior

Pray

Thank you, God, for the diversity of cultures, places, and people in our world.

Help me this day to become more and more aware of the Holy Spirit in my life and in others.

Amen.

Go

Seek ways this day that you may share your gifts of the Holy Spirit and affirm others to do likewise!