Pentecost

Parish

Jun 3

I don’t know about you, but I’m still in party mode.

Last weekend’s re-opening of the church was such a delight. To see years of hard work pay off, and to be able to celebrate it with so many was a joyous answer to many prayers. I was particularly thrilled to have so many join us for our first Eucharist on Sunday.

Since then we’ve continued to celebrate with our first mid-week Eucharist in St Anne’s Chapel, our first morning prayer back in the church, and our first School Service which had us once again bursting at the seams. Even mundane things, like being able to spend a few hours working in the office have been a cause of celebration for me.

And the celebrations continue today with the great finale to the 50 days of Easter – the feast of Pentecost! Today, robed in red, we remember the Holy Spirit coming and remaining with the Disciples. The Spirit continues God’s desire to come ever-closer to us, and to draw us ever closer to God’s self.

Some royalists (myself included) will also be celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. 70 years of servant leadership have been a remarkable legacy.

As I thought about the confluence of celebrations this week, I was reminded of a great hymn probably written in the 9th century, and translated by John Cosin in the 17th century. The hymn is traditionally sung at ordinations, and has been sung at every coronation since 1625. I encourage you to pray it with me as we invoke the Spirit’s blessings and praise our God revealed in Trinity.

1 Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire

and lighten with celestial fire;

thou the anointing Spirit art,

who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.

2 Thy blessed unction from above

is comfort, life, and fire of love;

enable with perpetual light

the dullness of our mortal sight.

3 Teach us to know the Father, Son,

and thee, of both, to be but one;

that through the ages all along

this may be our endless song: