And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with diverse tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak. – Acts 2:4
This scene from the Acts of the Apostles counteracts the damage done in the Old Testament at the Tower of Babel. God punished the people for their pride and hubris by making them unable to communicate with each other. After Pentecost, the Holy Spirit reverses the punishment. The Apostles open their mouths to share the good news and all can understand them, each in their language.
Alas, this gift hasn’t been given to all of us. People are still separated by different languages and cultures. It can be difficult to communicate with those with whom we do not share a common language or cultural identity.
Yet, our creative efforts can help bridge that divide. A beautiful piece of music or powerful work of art can transcend linguistic differences and speak directly to the heart. Flowers cultivated in a garden can bring a moment of joy and beauty to those who pass by. A shared homemade meal can delight the palate and offer a sense of community. Stories can be translated so that others may understand the experiences of another culture.
We are all children of God. Like the apostles, we are all called to proclaim the Good News and build up the kingdom of God. As we work to share the Good News, we must always remember that what unites us in our humanity is greater than what divides us. Our creative efforts have the ability to speak to both the minds and hearts of others.
Prayer
Dear Holy Spirit, please help me to use my creative gifts to help proclaim the Good News and to reach out in love to others who are different from me.
Action
Take some time today to appreciate the creative contribution of someone from a culture different from your own. Listen to a piece of music, view a work of visual art, or read a story. What does it say to you? What can you learn from it?
This is an excerpt from The Work of Our Hands. (Amazon affiliate link)
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