Pentecost Imagined
When in eternity we may learn more details of the Scripture stories. Perhaps, we may even learn a few humorous anecdotes that didn’t make the final edition of the evangelist. Have you ever imagined what has been left unwritten about the miracles or Infancy Narrative or discourse? I am imagining a different version of Pentecost. It goes something like this:
Andrew: Do you hear that wind? We better take shelter.
James: Look over there. The neighbors’ trees aren’t swaying. The wind is right in here — with us!
Peter: John, your hair is on fire! Quick, Thomas, get some water. No, wait, yours is on fire, too!
Thomas: No, it can’t be. I don’t feel a thing—well, maybe something like fire in my heart.
Philip: Look! A crowd is gathering! What do you think this means?
Bartholomew: Well, they certainly don’t know what to make of this. See how confused they look.
Andrew: Has anyone seen Simon?
Bartholomew: He’s outside! He’s preaching! Even the Egyptians are listening to him.
Philip: I didn’t know he could speak Egyptian!
[Later]
Peter: The crowd really listened to us. It’s a miracle that they believe in the resurrection. And so many were baptized!
Philip: We must praise God for today’s miracles. But I wished they didn’t think we were filled with new wine.