I’m hopeless in the morning, until I have a cup of coffee.  Joan, my wife, stays far, far away. Even the cats know to keep their distance  until I can function with some degree of coherence.  But after my coffee, I can face the day with some degree of confidence in my ability to function.  

 Two-thousand years ago, our ancestors in the faith were also desperately looking for their cup of coffee; a way to empower their work.  They joyfully embraced the new reality of Jesus’ resurrection.  But they weren’t quite sure what to do about it.  They must have questioned one another continually asking, “what’s next? What do we do?  Where can we look for guidance?  How do we plan for the future?” Their answer arrived on the day of Pentecost when they were gathered together in an upper room. On that day, the Holy Spirit's wind and flame swept them out of hiding and into the streets to bravely proclaim the Good News. Did they make mistakes?  You bet.  Did they always succeed?  No.  But they knew that in the end nothing could hold them back, with the power of God at their side.   

During trying  times, it's important to remember that thee same "cup of coffee" is available to us.  For God’s Spirit still empowers the church today. That’s something we need to remember on all days and not just on the day when we celebrate Pentecost..     Can things we try fail?  Yes. Can we in fact flop right on our faces?  Sure.  Will we always like the situations we find ourselves in?  No.  But in the end, nothing can hold back the Body of Christ.  For we know that God’s Spirit walks with us, and empowers us to bravely act in Christ’s name. 

 Come Holy Spirit!