The Lantern

From the Vicarage

Sunday, 28th May marks the Feast of Pentecost as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church. Artists over the centuries have devoted much time and energy in exploring the Holy Spirit through art, poetry and music. This feels only right as the Spirit comes to inspire us, guides us and dwell within us. Here are the words of one contemporary hymn for the Feast of Pentecost.

Holy Spirit, gift bestower Breathe into our hearts today, Flowing water, dove that hovers, Holy Spirit, guide our way.

Love inspirer, joy releaser, Spirit, take our fears away. Reconciler, peace restorer, Move among us as we pray.

Holy Spirit, Christ proclaimer, Wisdom bringer, light our way.

Fire that Dances, wind that whispers, Holy Spirit, come today. Ease disturber, comfort bearer Move among us while we pray.

Truth revealer, faith confirmer, Rest within our hearts today

Words: Catherine Williams (1965)

Within these words, there is a sense of the intimacy and closeness offered to us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. At his own baptism, the Spirit hovered over Jesus as God uttered those precious words, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased”. In St John’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of this gift as coming to abiding with us forever. Through our baptism and confirmation, this is a gift bestowed upon us as a sign of God’s living and empowering presence within us. The Spirit comes to comfort us in moments of hurt, to sustain us in times of illness and to guide us through the storms of life.

There is a sense of freedom with the Holy Spirit, for the Spirit will blow wherever she wishes. For the Church, this has often involved the Holy Spirit inspiring women and men to reform and renew our ministry and mission. The Spirit of truth comes to draw us deeper into the Mystery of God and conform us ever more into the image and likeness of Jesus. This is a Spirit that seeks to grow good fruit within us so that we may love and serve those around us.

As Pentecost draws the Season of Easter to an end, it also brings us to a new beginning. How shall we seek to grow as disciples of Christ with the Spirit’s help? How shall we listen for the Spirit’s guidance as we discern how to best serve our parish? The coming of the Holy Spirit reminds us that we are a pilgrim people; we are called to go forth into our world with the good news of the gospel.

As a way of marking this new beginning, you might like to spend a few moments each day with the words of the hymn opposite. Notice which line or lines draw your attention. Which aspect of the Holy Spirit do you need in your life this day? Where might be Spirit be guiding you, guiding us over the new few months.