A Pre-Pentecost Reflection: Many Colors, One Flame

I saw this piece of Pentecost artwork recently: people all wearing different colors with flames above their heads. Men and women. Young and old. Different races. Different gifts. All gathered together in faith.

The art really spoke to me of the Holy Spirit coming into our lives as believers and inflaming us with giftedness to serve the world in so many uniquely individual ways. Everyone plays a different role but is empowered by the same Spirit -- the same flame.

When you look at the vast diversity of people, talents, gifts, resources, and insights that bless the Church, it is a profound work of the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit, we are coloring the world with Christ’s mission, and when put together, it’s an astounding masterpiece of different colors and flames lighting up the Church. Only the Creator of the Universe could design that.

As I prepare for Pentecost, I have noticed how the Holy Spirit moves. I see it while leading in my work and volunteer work. The creative ideas and solutions that surface. The barriers and challenges that are overcome or fall away. The way, with hard work, that fruitful results emerge. The diversity of roles and talents that come together to create and respond. That is all the work of the Spirit in everyday life to serve God’s people.

This Pentecost, open your eyes to the way the Holy Spirit is moving in your everyday life, and reflect on your own “color” and “flame.” What is your unique role in Christ’s mission, and do you need to rekindle the flame within that lights you on fire for it? 

Find your color and find your flame to become part of the masterpiece.