I am haunted by his words, “I can’t breathe” and his chilling plea to “Mama”.

If you are unaware of what I speak, check out any news article regarding George Floyd.

The issue is about race, authority, the lack of mercy, the absence of grace. Of course, it is about more than that, but as I reflect on Pentecost Sunday it is clear that the world has turned upside down and this must grieve the Father’s heart.

I chose purposely not to preach on this matter on Sunday. The world has been inundated with comments and opinions about the matter. People are talking about “white privilege”, “racism”, “justice” and the like. I didn’t want to speak about any of that.

I could tell you about how my heart broke as a mother, hearing a grown man call out “Mama”.

I could tell you about the racism shown to my immigrant parents, in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s (dare I go on?) right here in Canada.

I could tell you about my own experience of racism as the only Indian girl in her public school and high school.

I could tell you how demeaning people can be because you are not the “right” gender for a particular job, or how offensive it is for others to presume they know you because they once ate in an Indian restaurant.

I don’t want to speak about any of that.

Rather, I want to speak about Jesus.

I want to speak about how we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be and live.

Here’s the thing. God’s promises are as true today as they have ever been. In the midst of a pandemic, in the midst of racial bigotry, in the midst of cancer diagnoses, failing marriages and financial upheaval, God was there. And God is still here.

This God, this very present God, is the same God that demonstrated a love so complete and so unconditional that He sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross on our behalf. Jesus died, rose again and after giving instructions to his followers went to be with the Father. After 40 days, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples. In Acts 2:1-4 we read:

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Pentecost is considered the birth of the church.

But beloveds, WE are the church.

We are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, which means that the very life, breath and energy of God lives in each of us. Given that, how does that influence our response to what is happening in the world?

How does that influence how we respond to our neighbour?

Does it change anything? Shouldn’t it?

Breathe on me breathe of God.

In the midst of the madness, be the church!