Acts 8:14-17

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 

There is the division over what it means to receive the Holy Spirit and how that is recognized. Did a lack of teaching, recognition and celebration of the gifts of the Spirit mean she was absent? By no means, the fruits of the Spirit were clearly visible in so many of the people in our journeys, and in some the more charismatic gifts. But nevertheless there continue to be divisions between Christians, over what it means to receive the Holy Spirit, to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to receive gifts from the Holy Spirit.

Then there is division over the laying on of hands. How significant was it that Peter and John were the ones who laid hands on them? The issue of whose hands do what to whom is still very much an area of division when it comes to ecumenical relationships and ordination.

Does God love me more because of my family history? Is God more generous because of my journey? Does God value my tradition over others? It seems absurd when expressed that way. Many in our society beyond the Church reject our faith over our disagreements on issues like these, where they see us demonstrating our belief in God’s partiality towards us, our traditions, and our journey over others.

Blessings as we pray for tolerance towards one another and each other’s beliefs.  Be safe!  Be well!  He is Risen Indeed!

 To Ponder:

• At the time of the greatest crises of our lives (both COVID-19 and Climate Justice) can or should we move past these divisions? If yes, then what can we be doing during the lockdown to prepare for God doing something new and different?
• What might Church look like in a very different world after the Pandemic?
• Can the Church be relevant to a different society with these old divisions? How?