While their oppressors saw the origins of the universe as violent and bloody, the Israelites told their children a different story rooted in goodness and blessing.

The story of Pentecost echoes the Tower of Babel story by remembering that language, among other things, can unite us or divide us.

There is much to be said for seeing Christ in each other; there is also something to be said for seeing ourselves as God sees us, with steadfast love and compassion, but with hope, too, for the future and what is yet to be.

In a few weeks, Pentecost will provide ample opportunity to reflect further on this Holy Spirit, but for now, we return to that hushed conversation between the departing Teacher and his anxious students.

Jesus was going on ahead to prepare a place for us, and we still forget and lose our way as we attempt to follow in his path. Not to worry. The shepherd, tender and good, will come back for us, searching for us on the paths and hillsides where we wander.

Perhaps Psalm 23 is so loved precisely because it doesn't paint a rosy picture of reality. It comes and meets us where we live.

What do you expect from life? In your relationships and faith life, in your family, your neighborhood, your community, the nation, and the world, what do you dare to hope for? Have you ever done the things you planned to do, and then witnessed something, or even experienced something that you never thought would happen? When have you been surprised, caught "off guard" by good news and unforeseen joy?