Sermon

8th June 25

A couple of months ago, we saw how the disciples reacted when Jesus was arrested, tried, and put to death.  Peter denied three times that he had ever known Jesus, and most of the rest ran away, fearing for their own lives.  Perhaps only John was left to support Mary and the other women who remained faithful to Jesus during his crucifixion.

But two things happened to transform these weak, frightened men.  Within a few days, they met with the Risen Jesus and celebrated his victory over death.  But then, 40 days after his resurrection, he left them again, this time to ascend into heaven.  They were left confused, still hiding, waiting to see what would happen next.

10 days after the Ascension, it happened as folk were celebrating the Jewish feast of Pentecost.  That first reading tries to describe those remarkable events.  It was so dramatic that it is difficult to put into words.  The author of that bible passage talks about it being like a strong wind blowing through, with flames touching the apostles.  It’s difficult to picture.  There are millions of paintings of most biblical stories: countless nativities, last suppers, crucifixions.  But portraying the events of Pentecost is far, far more difficult.  Thus Giotto’s painting of the event made 700 years ago and now in the National Gallery is almost comical.  Flames coming out of the heads of the apostles makes them look like human candles!

Instead of trying to picture the scene, we probably do better to concentrate on the effect it had on those apostles.  They were transformed.  No longer terrified, they went out and told everybody.  And folk were amazed and wanted some of this for themselves.  They were baptized and the Church was born.  But even now, two thousand years later, the need for new members to be baptized and join the Church continues.

So today, on this great Feast in the Church’s year, we welcome Callum as its newest member.  Not just of the Church here in Petts Wood, not just of the Church of England, but of the whole worldwide Church.  We pray for him, that he will grow in the Faith into which he is to be baptized throughout his life, and that, with all Christian people, he will find his final destiny in heaven, in the nearer presence of God.

Amen