Last Sunday was Pentecost Sunday and marks the end of our journey through Easter. Pentecost Sunday is a celebration of the presence of the Spirit of God in our world and in our lives. It is sometimes hard to put words on what this actually means for us. This year so many Confirmation ceremonies have had to be postponed due to the current Covid-19 restrictions. It has been a significant loss.

We know from Confirmation ceremonies that much colour, life and energy flows. It is a wonderful occasion but sometimes there is no carry over or no determination to move it beyond a one day event. The Spirit and energy of God is alive and active in our lives not just on the occasional one day event but through every single day. This is often referred to as the good news of the gospels. But we are so busy with endless things to do that we often forget the energy and presence of God all around us.

So who is the Holy Spirit for each of us? Very simply the Holy Spirit is our friend and is the breath of God in our daily lives. A good image to hold is that of a yacht. As soon as a yacht lifts up its sails to catch a breeze it becomes alive and moves through water full with purpose, energy and delight. If the sail is taken down and put away the yacht is almost lifeless and just drifts along. With regard to the Holy Spirit we have sometimes forgotten to put up our sails to catch and harness a unique presence in our world today.

Tomorrow Pentecost Sunday is a day to celebrate. This year’s celebrations are so different due to all the restrictions. But that should not stop us marking Pentecost Sunday in our own way. The following prayer to the Holy Spirit could be our way of marking the special day that it is: ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth.’


Thought For The Week is updated each Monday