Cross View Blog

Our local priest was explaining online to his flock how the Pentecost Mass would be celebrated. "There will be enough changes that everybody will not be pleased with something. This is more complicated than you might think in order to make it both safe and liturgically acceptable. Please don't complain, but enjoy the experience of being actually together once again."

I can tell how difficult it is to lead a flock in the unchartered waters of a viral pandemic. There is no "book" to consult; there are no "church approved" methods for supervising restrooms and designating pew space for restless children. Exactly how do you commune with a mask on? What about the needs of elderly people? What about congregational singing? The list goes on and on.

Surely, figuring out the best way to go forward in the choppy waters of a pandemic is a daunting challenge.  It requires not only wisdom, patience and understanding of everybody, but most importantly it requires the guidance of The Holy Spirit.

Above all considerations the Church must follow The Spirit's gentle lead; otherwise she could easily drift off her course and end up "on the rocks" of unwise choices. There are enough wrong turns in past church history to make leaders proceed with utmost caution.

This Sunday bishops, pastors and their flocks pray for guidance of the same Spirit that guided the Apostles and Early Church in the unchartered waters of the First Century. They had no "book" to consult on the inclusion of Gentiles and the proper place of Jewish Law within the freedom of the Gospel. They had to discern the Lord's will through discussion, consultation, fasting and fervent prayer.

The Book of Acts records that The Holy Spirit led them through each complex issue and each unexpected turn. By the end of the Second Century, the Church had found its way through its formative stages. The Church established a firm foundation of solid truth and energized life.

As each day begins, we embark on a new voyage. Since March our lives are filled with all sorts of questions and uncertainty we never could have anticipated in February. Suddenly, paying bills, supervising children, and going to work in dangerous conditions are issues that require wise choices for governors and citizens.

How do we balance the need for the economy with the need for personal safety? How do I pay for my rent and for my food and medicine?

How do I get along with this difficult person in confinement? These are complicated questions.

For people of faith, the choices go even deeper.  Can I trust that the LORD will show me the way through all the dangers I face? Will I focus on all my problems or will I focus on the promises of God? Will I overdose in the bad news of the day or will I immerse myself in the Word? Will I put my own concerns aside and attend to the needs of others? The list of faith decisions goes on and on.

As Christians, we must trust that we have a Personal Guide who is always present to show us the way. The Spirit's nine fruits (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) are evidence of His presence in our lives.

Thus, we move forward one day, one prayer, one moment at a time trusting He is beside us, within us, over us, and under us charting our course. When we do that, we experience a perfect peace that we are exactly where we are supposed to be: in our Savior's arms.

This past week arsonists lit fires on Lake Street in Minneapolis for the purpose of destruction. At Pentecost God lit fires on the heads and in the hearts of Jesus' disciples for the purpose of bringing new life. Now the citizens of His Kingdom spread the fire of the Word wherever they go so that others may be guided to a new life.

Lead on, Oh Gentle Spirit, lead on!

Paul Emmel
Minneapolis
Pentecost Sunday 2020

Paul Emmel is a retired pastor in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, having served as a parish pastor, a correctional chaplain for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, and a hospital chaplain and a community counselor. As a retired pastor, Paul continues to serve the Lord and His people, including establishing the Minnesota South District’s “Pastors to Prisoners” ministry.