The Feast of Pentecost and the Zing!

The Feast of Pentecost and the Zing!

Today is the Eve of Pentecost, and we celebrate the “ZING” of life. It’s that outside force that somehow provides the spark we all need to keep going. To have a ZING in one’s step, infers (or is it implies) that one has “pep”, or extra energy! The Feast of Pentecost is the birthday of the Church, and the Church is called to act on the Word of God, “making disciples of all nations”. (Matthew 28: 20) A key factor in sharing that Word lies in the energy or ZING behind the message. In sales, no one buys a product that bores the salesperson. So it must be so with The Faith. We need that ZING to make it all work. Like the spirit of Zen, let us proclaim that ZING is truly part of who we are as God’s creation. It is in the wind, and the dreams, and in the healing power of the Holy Spirit.

The Wind and Zing: Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: See!  I will bring spirit into you, that you may come to life. I will put sinews upon you, make flesh grow over you, cover you with skin, and put spirit in you so that you may come to life and know that I am the LORD. (Ezekiel 37: 4-6)

The “Ruah” has always been my favorite concept of the Holy Spirit. It is the “Breath of God”, and the source of all life and creation. To adapt a popular song from yester-year, You can’t do this thing, if you ain’t got that ZING!

The Dream and Zing: Thus says the LORD: I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions... (Joel 3: 1)

A phrase that I hear a lot in ministry is “Spirit of Hope”. Our lives are for living, that’s for sure. But what makes us human is our capacity to dream and hope. It’s that ZING, or special touch of who we are! We can imagine a world that is better. We can see a day when all shall be well. “We are prophets of a future, not our own.” (Archbishop Oscar Romero, martyred March 24, 1980) Read the entire prayer

The Healing and Zing: In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. (Romans 8: 26)

Another capacity of our humanity is our ability to understand that from time to time, we need help. We are creatures of community, and thus we are naturally dependent on one another, especially in times of trouble. The ZING of healing is one that comes from above, just when you need it. It’s that last second reassurance that everything is going to be OK, and best of all, it is not dependent on having to pray the perfect prayer.

The Christ and Zing: On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and exclaimed, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink.” (John 7:37)

On this Eve of Pentecost, I need the world to know that I am saved because of Jesus Christ! I need all to know that it Christ that quenches my thirst for life! I too want to exclaim that not only is Jesus the Lord of all, He is the ZING! He is the life of creation, He is the culmination of all of our hopes and dreams, He is the source of healing and comfort, and He, with God the Father, is the power of the Holy Spirit!

ZING, while not an official Church term, is the best word to wrap up this 50 Day journey of faith. This has been about more than just getting through Easter, it has been about keeping Easter alive in the hearts and minds of the people of God. Happy Pentecost!

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faith, and kindle in them the fire of your love!