It strikes me that …

It's sad to see someone go, isn't it, especially if you have come to rely on them being around and appearing at just the right moment to help a situation along. Do you remember how in St. John's gospel (Chapter 20 verse 17 - look it up if you're interested) the risen Lord meets Mary Magdalene in the garden, and earns her not to hold on to him physically, as he was soon going to disappear from her visual presence, in order to put in motion a far better thing, which was to be with everyone simultaneously 24/7, in a spiritual presence.
And I must say that I find it very exciting that He gives us His power - we don't have to carry on doing things in our own strength. In fact, we don't even have to make the decisions on our own about what to do and when, as God can see what's going to hit us before we can, and, if we let Him, puts us in the best position and frame of mind to deal with it when it does happen. Now, one can physically go to the Holy Land (as I have been privileged to do) and walk about on the very ground that Our Lord walked on, and see the things that he would have seen (and that's exciting as it lights up many, many biblical passages), but even more important I think is to remember that Our Lord ascended in order to be able to send us his power in the Holy Spirit, which is always around and waiting to be used 24/7 - if we remember to ask for it.

Now about St. Augustine, who was sent especially to our 'patch' to share the good news of God's Kingdom with us. We read that he was so discouraged the first time he tried, that he gave up and returned home, only to be sent straight back by his boss Pope Gregory (who had seen the potential of some young fair-haired slaves that he had met in a local market place). Perhaps St. Augustine needed some further encouraging input from his boss, as the second attempt at his appointed task was not half as difficult as he imagined it might be. Maybe he just forgot to ask the Holy Spirit for His help and advice the first time, but God gave him a second chance - like he does to all of us - if we ask. It strikes me that this is something definitely worth celebrating this month, and every month -

GOD CAN USE EVEN NO-HOPERS AND QUITTERS
- if we give Him the chance!
So, during this interregnum, let's discover and use the gifts the Holy Spirit has already given us, and boldly ask Him for more - and be prepared to be surprised!
Above all, let's seek the gift of encouragement, to help us discern and appreciate each others gifts. As the saying goes -

WE ARE SAVED - TO SERVE.

I'll leave you with some words that I have found both scary and encouraging through the years. They're written by the exceedingly down-to-earth Fred Kaan, one of whose gifts is showing us how to look at ordinary things, with a divine perspective.

So, Keep sharp - Keep singing

Margaret C.
1st May 2005