In our first reading at today's Mass, we heard the story of the confusion of languages at Babel. Human ingenuity, the desire for fame, and and almost casual disregard for the nature of God plagues the early human community as it seeks a sense of permanence that, thus far, it has never experienced. God sets these folks on a new journey, however - one marked by a separation into the tribes, nations, languages, and people groups that evolve their differences over time. Ultimately, the human race becomes divided into labeled groupings on account of their actions, and the result is not a pretty one.
Fast forward to the Day of Pentecost, with the Spirit falling upon the Apostles and followers of Christ - a day when those labels of origin, language, and appearance were overcome through a unique work of God. It was a moment of sublime beauty for those who understood what was happening. The native tongues, the birthplaces, the outward appearances of those upon whom the Spirit's inspiration had impact did not change - but suddenly those earthly labels came to mean virtually nothing beside the power of God at work among them.
As Christian believers, however, we are reminded that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave or free, male or female... or any other label... when it comes to the economy of salvation in Jesus Christ. The Pentecost Feast is a reminder of this reality. While our intrinsic nature, medical conditions, and chosen fandoms may not change, if they become our sole, or even primary source of self-definition, we have missed the point of this great Feast... for, in our baptism and sealing with the Spirit, our first and foremost identity (and our only identity of eternal consequence) becomes our identity as a sibling of Jesus Christ, and redeemed child of God, which is indelibly stamped upon us by the working of the Spirit.
May this truth become settled deep within our souls, and serve as the interpretive pivot point for how we live our lives.