Today, May 31, 2009 is Pentecost Sunday, a day remembered by Christians because of the events recorded in Acts 2. Also called the Feast of Weeks, the feast fell 50 days ("Pentecost" is Greek for "50th") after the dedication of the first barley sheaf to God (Lev. 23:16-17). The Jews also observed Pentecost in commemoration of the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. On this Pentecost 2009, the following reflections come to mind. In keeping with its agricultural origins, the Pentecost of Acts 2 marked the "first fruits" of the gospel harvest, in the conversion of thousands of people from nations … [Read more...]