Resurrection to Mission: Living the Ancient FaithSample

Day 10: Three Ways to Live the Message

Pentecost’s message resonates deeply within the fabric of our daily lives, offering practical pathways to embody the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It's not a distant historical event, but a living invitation to participate in God's ongoing work in the world. The true mark of the Holy Spirit’s presence is not outward miracles, but the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). When these are present in our lives and communities, the world sees that God is truly among us.

Let's go deeper into the three key ways we can practically live out Pentecost's enduring call:

1. Boldness in the Workplace
The workplace, often perceived as a secular arena, is in fact a fertile ground for spiritual expression. Boldness in this context isn't about aggressive evangelism or imposing beliefs, but rather a quiet yet powerful demonstration of Christ's character through our actions and interactions. This manifests in several ways:

• Ethical Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings, even when it's challenging or inconvenient. This includes honesty, fairness, and a commitment to doing what is right, regardless of personal gain.
• Kindness and Compassion: Extending grace, empathy, and practical support to colleagues, clients, and anyone we encounter in our professional lives. Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact, reflecting the love of Christ in tangible ways.
• Open Faithfulness: Living authentically as a person of faith, without being ashamed or secretive about our beliefs. This might involve respectfully sharing our perspectives when appropriate, living in alignment with our values, and being open to conversations about faith when opportunities arise naturally.
• Diligence and Excellence: Approaching our work with dedication and a commitment to excellence, recognizing that our efforts can be a form of worship and a reflection of God's creative nature.

As the Apostle St. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” This empowers us to step out with courage and conviction in our workplaces, knowing that we are equipped by the Holy Spirit. St. Clement of Alexandria's exhortation to: “Show yourselves to be children of the light by deeds, not just words.” (Exhortation to the Greeks) further emphasizes the importance of translating our faith into tangible actions that illuminate the world around us. Our workplaces become mission fields where our lives serve as a testament to the transforming power of Christ.

2. Mission Through Fasting
Fasting, an ancient spiritual discipline, often focuses on abstaining from physical food. However, its deeper purpose is to redirect our attention and desires from the temporal to the eternal. By intentionally denying ourselves physical sustenance, we create a space for a deeper hunger – a hunger for God and His divine purpose in our lives.

• Spiritual Re-orientation: Fasting helps us to detach from the comforts and distractions of the physical world, allowing us to focus more intently on prayer, scripture, and seeking God's will.
• Discerning God's Purpose: The physical discomfort of hunger can sharpen our spiritual senses, making us more attuned to God's voice and His leading in our lives. This can provide clarity and direction regarding our personal mission and how we are called to serve Him.
• Solidarity and Compassion: Fasting can also cultivate empathy for those who experience involuntary hunger and deprivation, motivating us to engage in acts of charity and justice.
• Strengthening Spiritual Discipline: Engaging in Church’s fasts strengthens our self-control and dependence on God, reminding us that our ultimate sustenance comes not from earthly provisions but from Him.

Matthew 4:4 declares, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." This highlights the essential truth that our deepest needs are spiritual, and fasting is a powerful tool to acknowledge and address this reality. St. Isaac the Syrian's wisdom and insight in his Ascetical Homilies tell us that: "Fasting is the weapon of the faithful and the crown of the soul," and this underscores its significance in our spiritual warfare and its potential to bring us closer to God. By embracing purposeful fasting, we allow our hunger for God to shape our lives and propel us towards fulfilling His mission in the world.

3. Joyful Witness
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of Christian joy, and the Holy Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, ignites a fire within us that compels us to share this joy with others. Joyful witness is not about forced enthusiasm but a genuine overflow of the peace and hope that resides within us through our relationship with Christ.

• Living in the Light of the Resurrection: Recognizing the victory of Christ over sin and death infuses our lives with an unshakeable hope and a deep sense of gratitude, which naturally shines outwards.
• Embracing the Fire of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us with boldness and passion to share our faith, not out of obligation but out of a genuine desire for others to experience the same transformative love and joy we have found in Christ.
• Authenticity and Vulnerability: Our witness is most effective when it stems from an authentic experience of God's grace and when we are willing to share our own journey, including our struggles and imperfections.
• Acts of Service and Love: Our joy is often expressed through practical acts of love, service, and compassion towards others. These actions speak volumes and can draw people to inquire about the source of our joy.

The Apostle St. Paul in Philippians 4:4 NKJV exhorts us to "Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I say, rejoice!" This is not a suggestion but a command, reflecting the central role of joy in the Christian life. St. Anthony the Great's insightful observation, as recorded in the Sayings of the Desert Fathers, that "Joy is a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence" reminds us that our joy is not dependent on external circumstances, but is a fruit of the Spirit dwelling within us. By cultivating a spirit of joy and allowing it to permeate our lives, we become living testimonies to the transformative power of Christ and draw others to experience His light and love.

Ultimately, living Pentecost’s message is a journey of growth and transformation. It's not about achieving perfection, though we strive for it, but about cultivating an open heart that is receptive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, embracing the courage to witness to our faith in practical ways, and allowing the joy of Christ to shine through our lives. Let us continually ask God for His grace and help as we strive to live boldly in our workplaces, fast purposefully to deepen our connection with Him, and radiate the joyful witness of the Resurrection and the fire of Pentecost to the world around us.

Reflection: Which of these three ways do you need to grow in the most? What steps will you take this week towards this?

Today’s Challenge: Pick one of the three ways (boldness, fasting, or joyful witness) and focus on practicing it intentionally today. Journal about your experience at the end of the day.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me to live boldly, serve faithfully, and witness joyfully. Fill me with Your joy and presence. Give me boldness, discipline in fasting, and a heart that overflows with Your love, so that others may see You in me. Let my life be a testimony to Your power. Amen.