Veni Creator Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit)
E. Perryman
#kintsucrooner
6.4.17
Since I was in the single digits, I have been a part of a church music ministry. Our wonderful wedding pastor Ann referred to me as “churched” after I brought a service ready to go for our first wedding meeting. I have sung in various liturgical styles. I didn’t always relate to the scripture. Since 2001, I have begun to find resonance with these antique religious texts, especially with gifted communicators like our Pastor Don Steele.
Today is Pentecost Sunday. In the past, this meant a fiery red cover for our anthem and maybe a fun high A at the end. I also have close friends who are a part of a wonderful Pentecostal church, Consuming Fire Ministries. Other than that, that’s the extent of my understanding of this church festival.
So, Pastor Don spoke today about Pentecost being much more than speaking in different languages. He asked whether we are able to connect with each other despite our differences.
His impassioned voice broke as he described the suffering of innocent people; in this case children from another culture. Even though the English speakers couldn’t understand them, there was much they could communicate. At one point, all began singing a version of Alleluia; a word that is very similar in most languages.
In our world today, we greatly need to find a universal welcome. The spirit of Pentecost is especially relevant during these times. We can’t afford to foster exclusion.
“O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams.” Saint Augustine
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