Message from the Transitional Synod Leader May 2024 : Let's Start A Fire
When I contemplate Pentecost, I am reminded not only of the Acts 2 narrative depicting the birth of the New Testament Church but also of William J. Seymour, the founder of the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, California. Amidst the Jim Crow era in the United States (1865-1965), one Black preacher, with the assistance of many others including Whites, Latinx, Asians, and Blacks, formulated the mission statement: “Azusa Mission stands for the unity of God's people everywhere. God is uniting His people, baptizing them by one Spirit in one body.” PBS reports that “for over three years, what historians call the Azusa Street Revival conducted three services a day, seven days a week. Word of the revival was spread abroad through The Apostolic Faith, a paper that Seymour sent for free to some 50,000 subscribers. So many missionaries spread the word from Azusa that within two years the movement had spread to over fifty nations.”
The significance of this moment lies in their strong belief that being a Christian means being transformed from worldly values of division. Over time, the Azusa Street movement became divided over racial issues. However, Azusa Street made a distinctive contribution to the historical evolution of religion in America by involving blacks, women, and the poor at all levels of ministry. It transforms our understanding of “otherness,” a philosophy that is currently undermining our democracy.
For many, religion is often perceived as a call to remain disengaged from political matters. However, the events of Pentecost shattered this notion, catalyzing a profound transformation in the outlook of believers. Suddenly, the disciples, previously timid and uncertain, were endowed with a divine empowerment, becoming fervent advocates for justice and peacemakers in their time.
It's remarkable how the Holy Spirit, descending upon the disciples, emboldened them to challenge the prevailing societal norms and expectations. These individuals, once marginalized and overshadowed, emerged as influential leaders, challenging the status quo and inspiring others to action. Through their newfound courage and the manifestation of miraculous deeds, they became beacons of hope and agents of powerful change.
Our faith beckons us not to retreat from the political arena but to actively engage in it, driven by the principles of transformative love and justice that lie at the core of Christ's teachings. As Christians, we are called to embody these values in our interactions with society, striving to create a world characterized by equity and compassion.
The teachings of Corinthians 12 remind us of the spiritual gifts bestowed upon us through our baptism. These gifts serve not only to equip us for personal growth but also to empower us to effect meaningful change in the world around us. It's an interconnected process where personal transformation leads to societal transformation, and vice versa.
Reinhold Niebuhr's insightful observation underscores the delicate balance between human capacity for justice and the inherent inclination towards injustice. It highlights the vital role of democracy in addressing and mitigating these inherent human tendencies, emphasizing the importance of active engagement and discernment in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.
In the present day, amidst the complexities of our political landscape, society eagerly looks to the Church to step forward, to rise to the occasion, and to stand for something meaningful. It's a call to action, a summons to lead with conviction and purpose, guided by our faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit, as we endeavor to be faithful stewards of God's kingdom on earth. The symbols of Pentecost hold significant meaning:
Wind represents God’s breath of love into all creation and the driving wind that strengthens and challenges us on our journey of faith.
Fire symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who fills the Church with enthusiasm and replaces fear with courage, depicted as tongues of fire.
Red signifies the dynamism of the Holy Spirit and the zeal of those who open their hearts to the Spirit.
Water represents new life, initially experienced at baptism but renewed throughout our lives of faith.
The dove symbolizes peace.
May our hearts be set ablaze. Let us pray:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy Christ’s consolations, through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Rev. Ashley
Resource: https://www.pbs.org/thisfarbyfaith/journey_3/p_9.html