Hi Friends -

We learn several things from A Perpetual Pentecost, published in May 1933:

1. Pentecost is a ripening of what is planted at the Last Supper
2. Pentecost is experienced as the union of subconscious, conscious and superconscious phases of mind
3. The union of the 3 phases of mind causes Spirit to descend into soul and body, releasing spiritual power
4. Metaphysically, this release of spiritual power awakens our 12 powers, corresponding to the 12 Apostles
5. The greatest impact of Pentecost is the transformation of human relationships within the faith community
6. Our faith communities overcome distinctions of gender, age, culture, race, language, ritual, wealth, and social rank
7. We see spiritual realities beyond the physical world
8. We become a people of blessing and peace

These statements are a spiritual roadmap. Getting to #8, becoming a people of blessing and peace, begins with #1, Pentecost. And Pentecost doesn’t just happen. Pentecost is a ripening of what is planted at the Last Supper.

This is Pentecost Sunday. It’s perfectly valid to reflect on the state of our inner faith community and how our Christ nature may be guiding our 12 powers.

But my experience is that if I really want to understand what’s going inside of me, I can take a look at what is going on outside of me—in my relationships with flesh and blood members of my faith community. What have I planted? What hidden agendas and unsettled grievances lie below the surface of my subconscious mind? What notions of spiritual elitism float in my superconsciousness? How do I defend my judgements of others with my justifications? What has come to fruition?

To be honest with you, I have found that my faith community a safe place I can do that refection, learn better ways, ask for forgiveness and decide to change. And I look to the present reality of Jesus Christ and the fellowship of my faith community to guide my way.

As Charles Fillmore said, we are “not a church or sect, but a place where the students of Jesus gain a spiritual understanding of the words of Jesus, the parables of Jesus and the rites of the church. We baptize not with water but with Spirit...”

Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2024