During our Easter services, we heard once again the story of Mary Magdalene weeping at the empty tomb in the early morning while it was still dark. She became aware of someone nearby and thought at first that it was the gardener, until he called her name. Then she knew it was Jesus, risen from the dead. He told her not to hold on to him, because he must ascend to God the Father. The Church celebrates the Ascension on Thursday 17th May. On Sunday 27th May comes Pentecost (sometimes called Whitsun) when we give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came in a dramatic way to the first disciples, empowering them to go out and spread the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ.
These events happened a long time ago, but Christians believe that Jesus is with us always. Unlike the first disciples, we did not witness the crucifixion and the resurrection. In his earthly life Jesus could only be with a relatively small group of people, in a particular place and time in history. Now, because he has ascended into heaven, he is with all who believe in him, in every time and place. All Christians can claim the promise of the Holy Spirit to empower us to do the work to which God calls us and to spread the Good News of Jesus in our own time and place.
On Pentecost Sunday, we shall have with us The Right Reverend Paul Butler, Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham . He will be in our area as part of his Prayer Walk around West Bingham Deanery. Please see Benefice Notes for details. There will be one service at St. Mary’s, East Leake , for the whole Benefice. The Prayer Walk, however, is not primarily an occasion to visit churches. Bishop Paul will be doing what the first disciples did – getting out and about to meet people where they are.
Some of us meet a lot of people in the course of our lives, whether we see them in the supermarket, on the street, at the school gate, in the workplace, or when we go out socially. Though we should not try to force our religious views on others, there are lots of opportunities to talk about Jesus. I am often surprised and humbled by the interest shown in the Christian faith by people who don’t have a lot of connection with the Church. Some of us are concerned that Christianity is being marginalised in our increasingly secular society. It’s up to all of us who are believers to take the opportunities that come along to share our faith with those who are interested, but more than that to live our lives in a way that demonstrates the love, joy and peace which Jesus offers to us all.
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
