Dear friends,
The month of May heralds many new beginnings, not only summer's arrival nor only the early bloom of a new political landscape, but also a new beginning in the pilgrimage of faith. Faith's new beginning is told in the story of Christ's Ascension that His Spirit should descend into the hearts of His followers.
Whichever political parties have won power their followers will be beginning the descent from the heights of campaign promises to begin the work of their realisation.
Just so in the story of Christ's risen life, His Ascension and His sending of that power from on high, the Holy Spirit, enlivens in His followers the reality of Christ's new beginning. A new beginning in the hearts of all who witness to His love in the world today. For Christ's followers their witness, through the Spirit's advocacy, is seen after the Way of Christ, both as a journey in faith and the realisation of God's Kingdom at hand. Our testimony is to that which has been seen and heard through countless generations from the Acts of the Apostles, the Acts of the early Church, to the Acts of the Church today. The campaign promises of faith, the values of God's Kingdom will not be buried nor forgotten because they are that very reality whom the tomb could not contain, Jesus risen, seen afresh in every generation in those who in Christ proclaim the blessings of God's Kingdom.
Hear again the manifesto of faith, the Acts of our discipleship:-
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Mat 5:3-10 NLT
Rev'd Brin Singleton
Rector
