Vicar/Reader's Monthly Message
On New Year’s Eve sitting with friends, the question was asked ‘What one thing, big or small would anyone like to achieve this coming year? and without any hesitation I said ‘I would like to walk the Camino’. There it was. Out there. I had vocalised my plan and I felt the Spirit had moved me to speak out. To be brave. The Spirit gave me courage.
Several weeks later, Jim Dainty asked if I would take the communion service at Willow Bank where he lives as he had a hospital appointment which could not be changed.
In Camino training I walked there. Willow Bank is nestled in on the left hand side of Gorsey Lane, just before the tunnel.
After taking the service I went to walk home intending to drop in at Welcoming Wednesday at St James. When I got to the junction with Belvidere Road and I think it’s Liscard Road a voice in my head said ‘Turn right into Liscard, go into the charity shops and you will find the rucksack you have been looking for. ‘ I thought ‘you’re kidding me. No Charity shop in Liscard will have what I need’.
However, I paused at the junction and reluctantly followed that inner voice. I went into Oxfam first. Just as I thought. No rucksack. I then went into the YMCA. At first glance I thought again’No rucksack’ and then as I went deeper into the shop, there, very nonchalantly, leaning against the wall was a red, framed, karrimore rucksack. The perfect size. I couldn’t believe it. The price tag? £10. Incredible. Even with my disbelief the Spirit had led me on. The Holy Spirit is an enabler. A powerful influence in our lives. It can inspire and cajoles us if we would only pause and listen.
As a church we celebrate Pentecost in this month of June, in memory of those disciples who gathered together, not knowing or understanding fully what the future held.
We can only imagine the fear and intrepidation of the disciples, as they huddled in that house. Frightened to go out. Frightened of the consequences of being linked to Jesus. Did they have to draw straws to decide who would go out and get the food?
Whilst they waited, suddenly a sound from heaven, like a strong wind filled their house and resulted in tongues like fire, resting on them. The Bible’s narrative’s language from the second Chapter of Acts, reflects stories of God’s appearance and affirms the earlier message of John the Baptist….. that Jesus would baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Filled with the Holy Spirit the group of disciples began to speak in other languages. Peter addressed the crowd that had gathered saying that the interpretation of the other languages were a fulfilment of God’s promise, described in the Old Testament’s Prophet Joel of the renewal of all flesh by the Spirit.
The same Spirit, which empowered the disciples of Christ, empowers us, if we allow it, today. The Holy Spirit propelled the disciples to spread the Good News and establish the church. My two examples of the Spirit in action may not be as dramatic as the events at Pentecost but If we allow the Holy Spirit to enter our lives, change happens. We are enriched and encouraged and reflecting the love of Jesus, that comes as a consequence of that, helps all those we encounter in our daily lives.
So this Pentecost, pause, be still. Allow the Holy Spirit to enter your life. See the changes it can make. Let the Spirit be with you. Liz