Our readings for this great feast of Pentecost are again taken from the Acts of the Apostles and from John’s Gospel. The reading from Acts recounts the actual occasion of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and the impact of that event. The reading from John’s Gospel relates two episodes of Jesus teaching during the days of the Feast of Booths (Sukkot).

Sukkot was one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals which Israelites were commanded to make to the Jerusalem Temple. One of the meanings of Sukkot has religious significance since it commemorates Israel’s Exodus from bondage and its dependence on the will of God.
There is significance in relating this event on Pentecost since it summarizes what God’s incarnation means to humanity. Jesus has led us out of bondage to Death and has revealed a way of living that is in accord with God’s Spirit.

The two important Jesus quotes that John shares in his Gospel are:
If anyone thirsts, let him come to me; let him drink who believes in me. Scripture has it: ‘From within him rivers of living water shall flow.’ and
I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life.’

As you think about the first quote, you will recall that Jesus said these very same words to the Samaritan Woman at the well. These words were particularly poignant to people who lived in a desert environment. Water is absolutely essential for life. In saying this, Jesus shared how absolutely essential for the fullness of life His words are. I suspect that we who have an abundance of accessible water, don’t think about how life-giving the teachings of Jesus truly are. The more that we realize how essential His words are for the fullness of life, the more we will strive to live by them.

Indeed His teachings are filled with God’s Spirit – they can help us understand the meaning and purpose of this earthly life. This earthly life is give to us to help us grow in our likeness of Jesus – to become true children of our Heavenly Father. Life is given to us to help us transform ourselves in such a manner that we might be able to experience the fullness of life.
Do you truly believe that the purpose of
life is to grow in the likeness of Jesus?