ini Message

I was reading the Celestine Prophecy book the other day and it was interesting to read the author's interpretation of coincidences that happen to us in the routine of our lives. The author talked about learning to pay attention to these coincidences and to seek out the meaning of these events that seem unrelated, but are at a deeper level, important points of contact in our lives. It reminded me of the Church's teachings about the guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Believer. The Church of Jesus Christ celebrates the Season of Pentecost each year beginning 50 days after Easter. In the Jewish Faith it was linked to the period of first Fruits, or what we might today associate with the beginning of Strawberry season. For Christians, it is the Season when we celebrate our belief that God sent the Holy Spirit down to be among us so that He can continue to guide, help, support us as we try to find our way in life. Being in contact with the Holy Spirit is a first fruit of our experience of being part of the fullness of the Kingdom of God which is known in completeness in Heaven. The Spirit of God, or the Spirit that was within the person of Jesus, is now here as a spiritual presence with us, as our spiritual guide in life. When we learn to be in touch with the Holy Spirit of God, we are guided along the path of life so that we do not go astray from where God wants us to go. It is all about being able to fulfill the will of God for us as we seek to continue to serve him in this life. It is a great help to be able to pray and talk to the Holy Spirit, to listen for the Spirit's voice, so that we can know what to do in the midst of an otherwise confusing world. By learning to be in contact with the Holy Spirit, we discover both mystery and joy, wonder and amassment. Life takes on a much deeper and broader scope as we become more and more aware of how our lives are inherently linked in the great web of life and as we experience God working in our lives in ways that we can never fully understand or dare to imagine. It is great when people become aware of the Spirit's presence in their personal lives and they discover how to connect and interact so that new depths are discovered. I don't agree with everything that is in the Celestine prophecy but it was great to read that at least at one level, they seemed to be catching a glimpse of what God was trying to make possible thousands of years ago. The Christian mystics have a lot more to teach them and you if you care to go on the amazing journey of discovery that Pentecost has to offer you. If you want to learn more please contact us, or join a spiritually alive Church and discover it for yourself.
Rev. Tijs, at St. Giles Presbyterian Church.