As Canada reopens, let the Holy Spirit inspire courage and understanding

As government officials begin to slowly lift restrictions on our lives and economy, experts are talking about the repercussions of this pandemic.

If we are going to overcome these significant challenges, it has been said we will need a spirit of creativity, co-operation and determination. From a Christian perspective, I would also say that we need the Holy Spirit.

When Christians consider the great mysteries of our faith, the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus come immediately to mind. These are significant events that are recorded in scripture and commemorated in the life of the church.

There are two other events in the life of Jesus that are equally important. Many churches will be commemorating them over the next two weeks. This Sunday, May 24, we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus and the following Sunday, Pentecost.

We find an account of the Ascension in the Acts of the Apostles. “So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1: 6-11)

I have always found the last part of this passage to be amusing. Jesus has ascended to the Father, and the Apostles are watching. An angel appears and asks them why are they standing around staring into space. In other words, stop daydreaming and get to work.

Jesus wants them to be his witnesses and he is giving his Spirit to help ‘get the job done.’ Jesus knows they will be able to do very little without the power of the

Holy Spirit.

On Pentecost, the church was established to continue the mission of Jesus. His followers are given the gift of Holy Spirit to assist them in doing the work of Christ. In Scripture, the Holy Spirit is often called the Paraclete. This is a Greek word that means advocate or helper.

The Holy Spirit gives us the gifts of courage, wisdom, understanding, creativity, unity, peace, and many more, to help us in our mission to renew the face of the earth. If we draw strength from these gifts, we will do incredible things.

In the account of Pentecost, we are told the Holy Spirit descended from heaven in the form of tongues of fire. This is significant because the strongest metals are forged in fire.

The fire of the Holy Spirit, burning in our hearts, will help to make us strong. We are given the confidence we need so that we do not lose heart. We will be able to witness to what is good, true and beautiful in our world.

Yes, we do face many challenges; but we need not be afraid. We have the gift of the Paraclete, our helper. Come Holy Spirit and enkindle in our hearts the fire of your love.