A Reflection for May from Rev. Matthew Carlisle.

First of all, a huge thank you for your warm welcome and the kindness you have shown since we arrived. At the time of writing, the two services at St. Clement’s and St. Mary’s are still fresh in my mind. I couldn't have hoped for a better way to start our shared life together as Christ’s Church in Davyhulme and Urmston.

On 19th May we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost is a wonderful end to the season of Easter, as it reminds us that Jesus’ promise to be with us ‘always, until the end of the age’ (Matt 28.20) is fulfilled in the presence of his Spirit with us. I was particularly struck by the words of Bishop David at the licensing where he spoke of the fact that the ministry of the Church only ever happens in the power of the Spirit and in the name of Jesus. Archdeacon Karen also spoke of being raised to new life with Christ, as we offer ourselves to God day by day.

One of the readings for Pentecost Sunday is from Romans 8. In it St. Paul speaks about the life of Christ coming to birth in us, and that this can be uncomfortable at times. He says, ‘we know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.’ To grow in the Spirit, to be raised to new life in Christ can be painful, and yet, just as labour pains end with the joyful birth of a child, so our spiritual labour pains are part of a process of allowing God to bring the life of Christ to birth in us more and more fully.

The Christian life is always a life of movement and hope, of God working with us in the present, calling and encouraging us to put our trust in him as we ask his Spirit to guide us into the future.

May we have the grace this Pentecost, and every day, to ask the Spirit to dwell among us, to minister in us and through us, as we give ourselves to the ministry God has called us to in our daily lives – at home, at work, and even (or particularly) when we’re driving!