Words matter. The alternative first reading for Sunday is the well known story from Genesis about the Tower of Babel. In this story the people are united but their unity is against God. So God disrupts their language and they are scattered. Is the story of Pentecost in Acts 2 undoing what was done at Babel or is the lectionary merely pairing these two readings? Regardless, words matter. As the apostles are gathered together in one place the Holy Spirit makes its dramatic appearance. To me it has the feel of an NBA introduction, something out of a pro wrestling event, or a well orchestrated rock concert. There is fire, there is wind, and a lot of noise. But what this story is about is words. All of a sudden these apostles have the ability to speak in other languages. (I have long wondered if they knew what they were saying or if it was more like they were possessed.) Now these words aren’t for the apostles but those who overhear what is being said. Pentecost was a festival before it became the day when we celebrate the birth of the Christian church and the city was filled with people from a variety of nations. I assume all of these folks were multilingual but for them to hear about God in their native language is powerful because now they can connect God back to their births and their homelands instead of something that was limited to one language and one race. How do we make sure the stories of God are found in all languages? 

Pentecost Sunday tends to be centered around the Acts 2 reading, but we have a bunch of other readings to learn from as well. As we opened with “words matter,” many words are exchanged between Jesus and his disciples in the gospel reading from John. Jesus says, “The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, but if you do not, then believe because of the works themselves.” Jesus ties his words and actions closely together. Here Jesus is responding to Philips request of, “Lord, show us the father…” I am sure we’ve all heard the expression actions speak louder than words, which I wholeheartedly agree with, but it’s so important to also remember how important words are as well. Words can destroy a person. We live in a time when what we say (or post) can come back to haunt us years after it was said (posted). Words can inspire and build up. I will continually return to speeches that I found powerful because how those words are strung together and the cadence in which they are delivered can inspire us to go out and tackle the world. Growing up I used to hear the phrase, “If you don’t have anything nice to say they don’t say anything at all.” I wish we lived out this phrase today. I hope we realize the power of words, both for good and for ill. May we continue to take heart the words of Jesus, how it is that we share those words, and how they guide our actions. Our gospel reading ends with Jesus speaking words of peace. May we take to heart this message of peace but also echo this message in the far reaches of God’s world where they long for peace.