Presiding Bishop's Whitsunday Message

O God, who at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of the Holy Spirit; Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A Blessed Whitsuntide to you all!

It is the Day of Pentecost. On this particular day, one of the holiest days in our church year, we traditionally celebrate the birthday of the church. On this day we hear the ringing words that describe "the sound from heaven as of a rushing wind" and “"tongues like as of fire" that sat upon all those present. These dramatic words are used to describe the power of the Holy Spirit as it descended upon the faithful, binding them together in God's One Holy and Apostolic Church.

Today, as we come together to worship God in our parish churches, we should be ever mindful of that extraordinary event that took place at Pentecost. We should remind ourselves that, as faithful Christians, we participate fully in God's work in the world. As members of His church, we seek to fulfill the work of Jesus in this place.

The Book of the Acts of the Apostles is often regarded as the history book of the New Testament. It relates the story of the early church. That story is our story as well. We have helped carry the work of the church forward; we have helped fulfill God's mission for this time and place.

Blessings to you all during this holy time.

Your Brother in Christ, +Brian