Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Acts 2:5-8 

5 Now there were devout Jews from every people under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?  

Obviously, Galileans either had a particular way they dressed, or a very distinctive accent, because the disciples were immediately recognized as being from Galilee. You would expect Galileans to know how to speak a little Latin and a little Greek. But there is no way they would have been exposed to all these other languages. But there they were… testifying to the mighty acts of God’s faithfulness culminating in the death and resurrection of Jesus. It was news that reached every person in the crowd. 

Since that time, those who follow Jesus are called to speak in the native tongue of the people around them. Sometimes that means literally learning a new language. But it can also mean speaking into new cultures. It means speaking in ways that make sense to kids and youth as well as retired people; to those who have abundance and those who have little. No one is to be excluded from hearing the Good News. 

And if you’re not too good with words, use love, which transcends all languages and communicates everything there is to know about God. 

– Pr. Paul

Holy Spirit, help me be intentional as I go through this day to show others what your love looks like. Help me see opportunities that will help others understand how loved they are by you. Amen.