On this Pentecost Sunday, we're reminded of the shift from shadows to substance. The Old Testament, with its laws, feasts, and rituals, was a preview of the greater reality to come in Christ. Just as Pentecost in the Old Testament celebrated the first fruits of the harvest, the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 marked the first fruits of the Spirit's outpouring. This transition from shadow to substance challenges us to seek the 'real thing' in our spiritual lives. Are we content with mere symbols, or are we pursuing the transformative power of God's Spirit? The baptisms we witness today aren't just symbolic acts, but powerful declarations of new life in Christ. As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: Are we living in the shadow of faith, or experiencing the full substance of life in the Spirit?