It Happened at a Meeting

“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind”

(Acts 2:1-2a).

I have often said, “If when I die, I have to attend another meeting….”  I cannot make plans without first checking my calendar to make sure there is not another meeting.  So often, I feel overwhelmed by the multiplicity of meetings. And at times I wonder if they are just a waste of time. Would life be any different if I didn’t have those meetings?

However, I need to keep something in mind-Pentecost, the feast we celebrate this Sunday-happened at a meeting! One of the central events of our faith, that which has shaped our history, did not happen to an individual off praying alone. No, Pentecost happened to a community assembled in prayer, a faithful group waiting for God’s guidance. I am reminded that God’s grace breaks through not in just those quiet moments, but also in those meeting rooms.

Can meetings be the upper room where we are gifted with the Spirit? Where we wait for God to do something through us , something we can’t do alone, for the common good? Yes it has been my experience. It has been the experience of the Ursuline Sisters. When gathered together, the gifts of the Spirit explode and are poured out all for the common good.

So the next time I go to a meeting I will  be awaiting the Spirit’s gifts to make happen in our world what our faith envisions.