Celtic Odyssey

Luke 8.26-39 (CEB; adapted): [1] 26 Jesus and his disciples sailed to the Gerasenes’ land, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, a certain man met him. The man was from the city and was possessed by demons. For a long time, he’d lived among the tombs, naked and homeless. 28 When he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down before him. Then he shouted, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 He said this because Jesus had already commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had taken possession of him, so he’d be bound with leg irons and chains and placed under guard. But he’d break his restraints and the demon would force him into the wilderness. 30 Jesus asked him, “What’s your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had entered him. 31 They pleaded with him not to order them to go back into the abyss. 32 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the hillside.

John 16.12-15 (CEB; adapted): [1] 12 “I have much more to say to you, but you can’t handle it now. 13 However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, They’ll guide you in all truth. They won’t speak on Their own, but will say whatever They hear and will proclaim to you what’s to come. 14 They’ll glorify me, because They’ll take what’s mine and proclaim it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine. That’s why I said that the Spirit takes what’s mine and will proclaim it to you. Other readings: Proverbs 8.1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5.1-5 Prayer: All-Loving and everlasting God, you’ve given us grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.       

Acts 2.1-21 (CEB; adapted): [1] 2.1 When Pentecost Day arrived, Jesus’ followers and their families (about one hundred twenty persons) were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak. 5 There were pious Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered. They were mystified because everyone heard them speaking in their native languages. 7 They were surprised and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all the people who are speaking Galileans? 8 How then can each of us hear them speaking in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; as well as residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pam