May 27, 2007
Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost

Year after year on this day, we remember how the first disciples, newly baptized by the spirit, became apostles and were sent forth, sent out, sent beyond their comfort zone. They were sent into the world where for the first time, to meet and share with "the Others," those unlike themselves, those that could be seen and heard as alien, but to meet them and see them as themselves, beloved children of God.

This powerful message and remembrance of what God's presence can cause is the one that we need to hold onto as we venture into mission. The spirit leads us into a new way of thinking and a new way of hearing each other that gives us clarity in relating to "the Others", all this in the divine dimension of love. The spirit of God creates and presents a new creation, a new way to experience the presence of God in each other.

As we embrace this gift, the gift of the Holy Spirit, we need to encourage, support and uphold each other by the way we relate and live in the community. We need to live this reality of God's presence each day. The gathering for worship is only one step in living this gift; worship should prepare for service, service to God, and with that to service towards "the Others".

At this time we might feel like the disciples after Jesus was crucified, uncertain of what is it that we are to do next; let us hold fast to the promise of God through our lord Jesus Christ that we will not be left alone, but that an advocate would be given to us. Let us, on this day of remembrance of that gift given to the early church, be reminded about the abundance of gifts given to this community in the last 50 years and let us pray that we will continue putting to use the gifts that God has given us in our time.

Silito

Take a look at some of the previous messages from the Rector