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Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and of our new life in him, lasts for fifty days and culminates with the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Holy Apostles at Pentecost. It includes the Ascension of our Lord into Heaven on the fortieth day, the Thursday of the sixth week of Easter. Easter has been called the 'Queen of Christian Festivals' and so it is. In it we recall again in the gospel stories at the Eucharist each day during the octave of Easter, the various resurrection appearances of the Lord to the disciples, the holy women and many other people. When Jesus ascended to heaven, according to the gospel account, he returned to sit at the right hand of God the Father until the end of time. But, he promised not to leave his followers like orphans, but to send the Holy Spirit, which came in power at Pentecost and changed weak and timid men and women into the people who would carry the Gospel message of Jesus Christ into the four corners of the world. We should remember that we have been empowered by the same Holy Spirit at our confirmation to carry on that work in this parish or wherever we may find ourselves. We are the Body of Christ in this place, the life of the Holy Spirit dwells in us just as it did in Jesus himself. The Holy Spirit of God is at work in us today - we witness to him - we are an Easter people with an Easter message - Christ is Risen! Alleluia. Please remember in your prayers and uphold with your presence, those who are to be confirmed by the Bishop on Tuesday, 9th May at 7.30.pm. Please pray the following confirmation prayer for them: Defend, O Lord, your servants with your Heavenly grace,that they may continue yours for ever, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more, until they come to your everlasting kingdom. Amen. With my prayers and blessing this Eastertide. Fr Malcolm Ferrier |
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page last updated 5 MAY 2000 |
