Though we recently celebrated the gift of the Spirit sending the church into mission on Pentecost, the celebration is not about a past event but one that continues. Pentecost is allowing ourselves to be nudged by the Spirit to be curious, to wonder, to befriend, to take chances to practice being who we truly are.

In John 14, Philip wants a short cut—a less messy way. Show us God. Make faith easy for us—take away the struggle! Give us God’s power!

Jesus’ answer is pretty simple, “Who I am, what I have done is all you need.” Jesus said, “God is in me. God is in my ministry. And you will do even more than me, once I return to God. Whatever you ask in my name, in the spirit of my compassionate love, according to my will, I will do. It’s all yours.”

So every time we ask for strength, wisdom, and courage to practice Jesus’ love, he sends holy energy. His Spirit fills us with patient, faithful love and compassionate mercy. We need no magic, no overwhelming power, simply openness to pure love.

Every day is the miracle of Pentecost. Thanks be to God.