May the words that I speak be both spoken and received in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In today’s gospel reading of John, we heard of what Jesus said to his followers: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you.” A growing and thriving church will follow these words of wisdom. To see through prayer the guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit, sent in the name of Christ.
This relationship between Father, Son and Holy Spirit is centred on God’s unfailing love for the world and a faithful and loving response from christian people is expected. Jesus says: “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
The Risen Christ sends his Holy Spirit to take his place, which means we are not left alone. The work of the Holy Spirit is to continue the work of Christ in the world, and to glorify God. The Holy Spirit is with us as our guide and teacher. He also encourages us to love one another and the power of the Holy Spirit transforms and enriches our lives.
Here at St Peter’s we pray that the Holy Spirit will grant us vision to our planning, wisdom to our actions and joy to your worship. If we explore the word ‘Joy’, St. Paul says: “I wish you all joy in the Lord.”
The dictionary definition of joy is: ‘An ecstasy of happiness. Now this wasn’t the case for Robert Louis Stevenson, the famous author and poet of the 19th Century. His works include, ‘Treasure Island’, ‘The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ and ‘Kidnapped’. He wrote in his journal: “Went to Church today and was not greatly depressed”!
The joy which St. Paul is talking about goes deeper than ‘An ecstasy of happiness’. It is the realisation that, despite all appearances to the contrary, God is in charge and has a purpose for the universe and for each one of us. In fact each one of us is precious in the sight of God. If we make the leap of faith and trust ourselves to the guidance of God’s love in the world, we will see amazing things happen and always have a deep, inner sense of joy.
The Holy Spirit works towards the perfecting of our souls and in the process of doing this we ought to live out our lives in love and faith, trusting God and always remembering what Christ has done for us. He has brought us like lost sheep, back to God. He has cleansed us by dying for us on the Cross and the shedding of his blood, brings us into a new relationship with God.
It isn’t what we have done that matters it is what Christ has done. When we accept him into our lives, then we will know and experience the love of God. Christ’s peace which is given to us is spiritual peace and joy. It is peace with God and it is an inner peace in our hearts and minds. Even though our trials and tribulations come, Christ’s peace remains in us. When St. Paul speaks of ‘peace’ he says: “Have no anxiety, but in every thing make your requests known to God in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God, which is beyond our understanding, will keep guard over your hearts and your thoughts.”
Human reason can explain many things, but it will not necessarily bring peace. So what is this peace that comes from God? St. Paul urges us not to be anxious, not to fret or torture ourselves about what may, or may not happen, but in all situations we encounter, to remember the Presence of God and to seek his help and guidance.
Christ’s peace is also one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. As long as the Holy Spirit is in us, so the fruits of the Spirit will also be in us. And these are: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Jesus said to his disciples: “You do not need to be troubled or afraid. Wherever you go, whatever happens, you will have my peace. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.”
As we commit ourselves more to Christ, the Holy Spirit builds up in us the Christ-like nature; the life of Christ. Our individual lives are to be one in union with Christ.
We are brought through the Spirit, into a reconciled and full relationship with God, who loves each one of us more than we can ever imagine, or understand. Without the Holy Spirit at work in our lives we would achieve very little. It is the Holy Spirit who leads us from darkness into light; from hopelessness into an assurance in Christ and everlasting life.
So what is the power of the Holy Spirit given to us for? Jesus says: “You shall be my witnesses.” God’s power is to be used for God’s purposes. It is not to be used wrongfully, or selfishly. It is a sacred trust to be used and devoted to the furtherance of Christ’s mission, which is to win people for the Kingdom of God.
I would like to finish with a prayer from the Iona Community:
Spirit of the Living Christ, come upon us in the glory of your risen power. Spirit of the Living Christ, come upon us in all the humility of your love. Spirit of the Living Christ, come upon us that new life may course within our veins, new love bind us together in one family, a new vision of the Kingdom of God spur us on to serve you with fearless passion.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St Peter's Church 