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Daily Devotional: Thursday, May 21, 2026

Daily Lectionary Readings

  • Psalm 33:12–22
  • Exodus 19:1–9a
  • Acts 2:1–11

Our modern landscape is filled with constant noise. Between "breaking news" and the steady ping of notifications, we are surrounded by a sea of words. Yet, despite this abundance of communication, genuine understanding is often elusive. We frequently find ourselves speaking at one another rather than with one another.

In Acts 2:1–11, as the liturgical season moves toward Pentecost, we encounter the account of a "rush of a violent wind." While the tongues of fire are striking, the true miracle was the act of translation. The diverse crowd was bewildered because every person present heard the believers speaking in their own native language.

Pentecost is a radical act of divine hospitality. In this moment, God’s Spirit did not demand that the world learn a specific "religious" language. Instead, the Spirit empowered the disciples to become guests in the lives of others, moving beyond their own comfort zones to speak the languages of the people around them.

In everyday life, we encounter people with various "native tongues." Not just linguistic ones, but emotional and situational ones:

  • A teenager whose difficult behavior masks a deep-seated fear.
  • An aging parent navigating the loss of independence.
  • A neighbor struggling to manage the stresses of daily life.

Often, the language these individuals need most is not composed of words. It is the language of a shared meal, a calm and supportive presence, or the simple act of working side-by-side in a garden. These are the modern "tongues" of the Spirit. When we set aside the need to be "right" or "in charge" to truly listen to another person, we participate in the miracle of Pentecost.

Artwork

Title: Pentecost
Artist: John August Swanson
Resource: View the Serigraph at John August Swanson’s Gallery

John August Swanson’s Pentecost portrays a vibrant, diverse community of everyday people bathed in the light of the Spirit. This visual representation serves as a reminder that the Spirit is poured out on all people, fostering connection within our messy and colorful humanity. Spend a few moments observing the figures in the art and reflecting on how the Spirit brings unity to diversity.

Closing Prayer

Holy Spirit, in a world full of noise, teach us how to truly listen. Grant us the humility to step outside our comfort zones and the grace to become guests in the lives of our neighbors. Help us to speak the daily languages of compassion, patience, and care to everyone we encounter. Amen.

Resources