RSSMay 30, Pentecost
by the Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton for ERD
5/30/2004
Acts 2:1-11
Joel 2:28-32
1 Corinthians 12:4-13
Acts 2:1-11
John 20:19-23
John 14:8-17
Psalm 104:25-37 or 104:25-32 or 33:12-15, 18-22
Tongues of Fire
Fire was the most potent force the ancient world could harness. But fire was elemental, menacing. Fire slips easily out of human control. Playing with fire is a foolish thing to do.
In scripture, fire signifies the presence of God. Moses beholds a fire that burns but does not consume, and he knows that it is God. And today the leaderless disciples of Jesus, huddling together in fear for their lives, see tongues of fire over one another’s heads: fire that lends its power but does not kill. Fire that anoints them with power and with authority to prevail over evil. Fire that gives life and makes it even better than before, healing the divisions into which humankind has fallen.
The people of Southern California know first-hand about the destructive power of fire. Last fall, 1,500 houses were destroyed and 10,000 people forced to flee their homes in the wildfires that blackened 500,000 acres of land. Sixteen people died. The fire was no respecter of persons: rich and poor became homeless in a matter of minutes as their homes went up in smoke. Episcopal Relief and Development shines in such situations: quick, mobile and able to respond immediately, ERD did what it always does: it released funds to the Dioceses of Los Angeles and San Diego for temporary shelters and food, for medical assistance.
ERD is permanently ready to hit the ground running, responding to tragedy anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice. Donating to its emergency response fund ensures that our Church will be among the first responders with humanitarian aid when disaster strikes.
The Dioceses of Los Angeles and San Diego are among the most diverse in our Church: many cultures and languages live and work together there. But the Church can bridge the differences, representing a force for unequivocal good at times such as these, when communities must pull together or perish.
Episcopal Relief and Development is an effective, reliable, and vital ministry of the Episcopal Church in communities around the world. Episcopal Relief and Development provides emergency assistance in times of disaster, rebuilds devastated communities after the immediate crisis is over, and offers long-term solutions to help people sustain safer, healthier, and more productive lives. For more information on ERD, contact (800) 334-7626, ext.5129, or visit our website at http://www.er-d.org/
