Reflections on the day of Pentecost
In the Christian calendar today is celebrated worldwide as the day of Pentecost or Whit Sunday. It is also the seventh Sunday after Easter.
For some Ugandans, who are increasingly a regional minority, today will be observed as “Heroes day.” Truth be told, many Ugandans look forward to the day when this incongruously named day will cease to be marked or recognised annually, because it opens old wounds in the hearts of millions of wananchi and desecrates the body politic of our beloved country.
Luke’s account of the day of Pentecost, contained in Chapter Two of the Book of Acts, is as graphic as it is fascinating and always makes me wish I was there to bear witness to that glorious, momentous and wonderful event.
In a powerful sermon on that auspicious occasion, the Apostle Peter who was originally a fisherman stood up and boldly addressed an astonished crowd which had gathered to watch what was happening early in the morning.
“Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel,” and he proceeded to quote from the Book of Joel, (Joel 2:28-32).
Peter argues conclusively that Jesus of Nazareth was the embodiment of what was forecast by the prophets and builds upon Jesus’ fulfilment of several Old Testament prophecies. He used the fact and example of the empty tomb to convince his attentive audience that Jesus is both Lord and Christ, i.e. God’s anointed one.
Meaning and significance of Pentecost
The day of Pentecost is considered by Christians as the day on which the Church of Christ was born by the power of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus before he ascended to heaven. Of that spiritual power which was unleashed 50 days after Easter, Luke writes:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)
One Biblical scholar has argued that the greatest spiritual renewal in the history of the world took place on the day of Pentecost and the effects and impact of that amazing event have been felt ever since.
The early Church grew because under the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit the believers devoted themselves to the following four activities:
First, they practised the teachings of the apostles. A growing Church must be grounded in the Word of God. In this regard, I would like to thank Archbishop Stanley Ntagali and the Church of Uganda for the principled, courageous and consistent position they have taken for more than two decades on the matter of homosexuality and the so-called gay rights which Ntagali reiterated at Namugongo on Martyrs’ Day.
Second, fellowship - as a communion of saints, the believers spent time together in corporate worship.
They cared for each other.
Third, the early believers broke bread together. They ate and celebrated the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper together. Each one shared his or her resources for the benefit and good of the community.
Fourth, the believers prayed together. Only fools and pagans dismiss or underestimate the power of prayer. Personal and corporate prayers are crucial for spiritual growth.
These are important and pertinent lessons which the modern Church can and should learn from the activities of the Apostles and the early believers.
May I take this opportunity to warmly congratulate Archbishop John Baptist Odama and Gulu Archdiocese for a stellar performance on Martyrs’ Day at Namugongo on June 3.
They have raised the bar so high that it will take many years to equal the new standard Gulu has set for Martyrs’ Day. The music was simply out of this world. By the way, Odama in Lugbara means “they insulted me.” I tell you whoever named the Archbishop will have the last laugh. To God be the glory!
Mr Acemah is a political scientist and retired career diplomat.
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