A Language Understood by All

By Doug Wigginton

Pentecost Sunday Reflection

“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.” — Acts 2:1-4

This past Sunday, our church, along with congregations worldwide, celebrated Pentecost Sunday. The meaning of "other tongues" has been a topic of debate among Christian commentators for many years. However, hearing our pastor's sermon brought back a powerful memory from my time as a hospital chaplain. Instead of focusing on those debates, as I have done in the past, I would like to share a true story from a tragic event that occurred over 40 years ago. Although it was a profoundly sad experience, it left a lasting impact on me and is one I will always want to remember.

It was a rainy Friday afternoon when a little girl, about seven years old, ran down the front steps of Kansas City Elementary School at the end of the school day. She crossed the sidewalk and stepped in front of a car on a busy street.

As protocol dictated, the hospital issued a trauma alert. As the assigned chaplain to the trauma team, I immediately went to the emergency room, knowing there must have been a serious injury. I was directed to the conference room, where I typically meet with families. A trauma surgeon and a nurse had already spoken with the girl’s mother before my arrival. A mother’s worst nightmare became a reality: her precious little girl had died in the emergency room. The mother was on the floor, crying. I quickly discovered that she did not speak English, so I called for someone to assist me. A Hispanic housekeeper entered and, without hesitation, laid down on the floor next to the grieving mother. The housekeeper said nothing—what could she say? She simply wrapped her arms around the mother as she sobbed. It was heart-wrenching for all of us. When the housekeeper was about to leave, I thanked her and explained that I did not speak Spanish. You'll never guess what she replied: “Neither do I.”

It was then, as a young chaplain, that I learned firsthand from a housekeeper filled with the love of God that there is a language that transcends all others. It is a universal language that does not require words. And what is this language, you may ask? It is the language of love.

Just in case you haven't already guessed, I believe the language of love is the "other tongues" that were spoken on the day of Pentecost. The good news is that the Day of Pentecost is more than just a historical event. As the housekeeper so aptly demonstrated, the Lord continues to fill us with His empowering Spirit so that we, too, may speak the language of love.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these…” —John 14:12