Pentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the
\ngiving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after Easter,
\nwe celebrate the Holy Spirit as God\u2019s presence within and among us. In Acts the
\nSpirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God\u2019s presence to all people.
\nPaul reminds us that though we each have different capacities, we are unified in the
\nSpirit that equips us with these gifts. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples,
\nempowering them to forgive sin. We celebrate that we too are given the breath of the
\nHoly Spirit and sent out to proclaim God\u2019s redeeming love to all the world.<\/p>\n