Tools for the Task

Toolboxes are probably not an image we associate with the feast of Pentecost but there is a connection!

Whenever we are faced with a task, whether some maintenance around the house, struggling around a golf course or baking scones, our thoughts turn to the equipment we need. Already we have the desire to do the task and an idea of what the task requires. We need the right tools to complete the task.

Following the Resurrection and Ascension, Jesus disciples are eager to get about their mission, but they are lacking the equipment. Jesus promises the disciples (John 20:19-23) that the Holy Spirit will be with them and in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-11) we read of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit to the
disciples, giving them the tools. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are: Wisdom, Right Judgement, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence, Wonder and Awe and Understanding. Armed with those tools, the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, their Mission and ours, will proclaim Joy, Love, Peace, Goodness, Kindness, Patience, Self-Control, Trustfulness and Gentleness to the world. On the very day of Pentecost those early disciples
were able to spread the Good News of the Kingdom to thousands and, in the first century, around the Mediterranean, from Jerusalem to Alexandria, Carthage, Ephesus and Antioch and even, at the heart of empire, Rome itself.

We have the best of all messages to share about the Creator of the universe who loves us all beyond measure. If all who called themselves Christians were truly aware of their gifts; if we had all sorted carefully through our toolbox then everyone would be a Christian. There are many of us already but we have many more who have yet to hear the message. That’s our job! Pentecost brings present again our
Confirmation, the day when the Holy Spirit gave us our personal toolbox for our life’s mission. What tools will I select? How am I going to spread God’s Word?

Deacon Mark Kelly