Filed under: Uncategorized — osimm @ 11:34 am
Thunder Bay in the spring always turns out to be a series of unexpected events. First it’s cold, then it’s hot, and then there are frost warnings. We go through times of drought, while other places nearby get snow. Flowers are coming out, but so are the black flies. As birds return, recently awakened bears wander down McVicar’s Creek. The Border Cats are ready to roar, while the Leafs are out (some day….).
So also for us living in Thunder Bay, or anywhere, life can be full of unexpected situations. Some can be quite pleasant and full of excitement. We hope they can continue on forever. Others, however, can tax us to the limit. We want them to stop, but they sometimes seem able to go and on.
Amid this mix of days, I believe we can hear the voice of God. Paul tells the Romans in our 2nd reading that the Holy Spirit comes to us even in times of suffering, pouring God’s love into our hearts. This can give us hope, hope that the Creator understands both our low times, and our joys. God walks with us, seeking to give us faith that we are God’s children. Spring will turn into summer, and we will find times of rest, reformation, and adventure.
Filed under: Uncategorized — osimm @ 10:25 am
The festival of Pentecost celebrates God’s gift of the Holy Spirit. This ‘face’ of God symbolizes the Creator’s continuing presence in this world, after the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. God’s Spirit continues to work, sharing the Good News, inviting all to follow in faith, and gathering God’s people together in worship, learning, witness, and service.
This coming Sunday in our parish 5 young women and men will publicly affirm as part of Confirmation that they trust God’s promise to be with them and guide them. What they first received in their Baptism as a gift is now theirs’ to respond to throughout their lives, not only in the church, but also in the world.
Take time this week to stop and feel God’s Spirit with you. Ponder what God’s continuing love and grace-filled words of forgiveness mean for you in your life. Be quiet, and listen to where God’s Spirit is directing you. Celebrate, with all the church, God’s building of the community of faith.
Filed under: Uncategorized — osimm @ 9:19 am
We near the end of our Easter feast this Sunday. Next week is the festival of the Day of Pentecost, celebrating God’s gift of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the church. In Jesus’ words in John 17:20-26, we hear his prayer for this yet-to-born community of faith. He asks the Father for unity among those who believe, so that the world might know God’s love.
A quick look around at the church today shows we are not one. However, perhaps Jesus here isn’t talking so much about bricks and motar and denominations, as he is about unity of purpose. Jesus calls on all who believe to share God’s glory and love with the world.
We can get stated on this by looking at our differences. Do they help or hinder the message of the good news we are called to announce? Do they demonstrate a Christanity based on exclusiveness or on inclusiveness? Are they orientated to giving God the glory, or giving ourselves pats on the back? What can we give up, so that God’s face might be revealed, instead of being kept in the dark?
Filed under: Uncategorized — osimm @ 6:42 pm
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid’.
These words from this Sunday’s reading from John 14:23-29 are from Jesus, shortly before he is arrested. He says them after he gives the disciples the promise of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will teach them everthing they need to know once he is gone and will remind them of what he has taught them. God’s Spirit wil give them peace — a sense of community, of sense of belonging, a sense of harmony, a sense of rest.
God continues to offer the world this same peace. Wherever people are troubled or afraid – of the present, the future, the known and the unknown – God’s Spirit seeks to calm our hearts and help us to journey in faith.
Come, Holy Spirit, come. Fill our hearts with your presence. Amen
