Whit Monday
The life of the first congregation and the gifts of the Spirit.
Bibelsk grunnlag
The fellowship of the first congregation: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... They were together and had everything in common" (Acts 2:42-47). Gifts of the Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, tongues, interpretation (1 Cor 12:4-11). Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal 5:22-23). "You are Christ's body, and each one of you is a part of it" (1 Cor 12:27).
Betydning
The Spirit creates not only individual experiences but also community. The church as the body of Christ has many members with different functions — diversity is intended. The fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5) is more fundamental than the spectacular gifts — love is the "way that surpasses all others" (1 Cor 13).
GT-forbindelser
The theme of community: Israel's camp in the wilderness where the people lived together around the tabernacle (Num 2). The theme of gifts: Bezalel and Oholiab, who received the Spirit to build the tabernacle with various craft skills (Exod 31:1-6). The seventy elders who shared in Moses' spirit (Num 11:16-17, 24-30).
Liturgisk kontekst
Red color. Public holiday in many countries. The focus expands from the coming of the Spirit to the Spirit's ongoing work in the church. Some traditions emphasize mission and diaconal service on this day.
Historie
In the early church, the entire week of Pentecost was celebrated. Whit Monday was retained as a holy day in many Protestant countries after the Reformation. Luther emphasized the Spirit's work through word and sacrament in the fellowship of the church.