We ordered a large pizza and divided it between us. He was a young man who said he’d been a Christian only a short while. Someone had invited him to the Conference and he’d enjoyed being there. He was amazed by the number of people and the sense of vitality....
Globalisation, consumerism, images,relativism, fragmentation, spiritual quest... at least some aspects of a generally recognisable picture. A sketch of some of the tendencies of our time and the nature of Christian responses.
Paul says he has learned the secret, in whatever circumstances, to be content in them (Philippians 4.11-12). I was once tempted to write this Bible reference in the Comments column of a dreadful guesthouse in Newcastle - but in the end was content not to. Paul has known contrasts in his life - substantially different situations at different times of well-offness and deprivation....
The Christian season of Pentecost focuses on Christian belief in the Holy Spirit. The New Testament encourages us that we can receive the Spirit's help through an attitude of asking. The Spirit leads to new hope in human life. In the Church the Spirit brings God's constant fresh touch on inherited things. ..
God our Father,
Your will be done through your Church.
We do not ask it with passive resignation
but in active pursuit of what pleases you.
Risen Jesus,
Do what is in your own heart to do,
Drawing many more to be your disciples.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Show us your fresh touch on inherited things.
Help us beyond the limits of our own resource.
Lord God, your purposes.
Jesus Christ, your passion.
Holy Spirit, your power.