Rev. Paula Beikirch

During Pentecost, we reflect on the Holy Spirit – his coming to us and his part in our lives.  Paul has told us in his letters that God gives the gifts of the Spirit to each person as he sees fit. (See Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12.) My gifts are of a practical nature. The Holy Spirit enables me to diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses so that his healing can take place.  I often feel the same Spirit working in me when I serve communion at our altar and when I am meeting with a patient in the clinic.  But, the Holy Spirit also enables me to work with the Board and Staff Members at Talbot House to raise money, plan programs, and to feed, clothe and shelter the homeless persons who come seeking.  It is while serving his people in these ways that I can share about Jesus with them.

The greatest gifts the Spirit has given me, however, are not mine.The Holy Spirit works in our clients. A few speak in tongues, prophesy, or preach.  However most seem to have the practical gifts with which I am more familiar.  People who come to us having been sick and troubled for many years are able to make beautiful cutting boards and custom-made furniture.  Some assist in the medical or dental clinics, using education and experience they have.  Still others are able to excel in food services management, landscaping, shift management, building maintenance, laundry, and other guest services. In so doing, the Holy Spirit living in them make it possible for our clients to do as Christ commanded. 

Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;  for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.'  Matthew 25:34-36 (NRSV)

For many years, I longed to have the gifts of tongues or prophecy or the message of wisdom or knowledge. Those gifts somehow seemed more exciting. Over the years, I have come to realize that God knows exactly what he is doing. He blessed me with the gifts necessary for me to work with the people who have been marginalized by our society. And, he gave me the joy of seeing his Spirit at work in these people I love so much. So, when Pentecost season comes, I give thanks to God for sending the Holy Spirit and his gifts to each of us – you, me, and others -  as he sees fit, so that we can be the complete body of Christ. 

 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.  I Corinthians 12:11.

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