Our society is slowly reopening after a long and difficult lockdown for all of us.
We have thankfully returned to public worship, and the vaccines allow us to hope that we finally emerging from this Covid-19 ordeal.
Our pandemic experience has reminded us of the importance of both family and parish community.
It has reminded us of our need for other people, and the responsibility we all carry for each other, especially in our own faith community.
Pentecost also reminds us of these things, because it is a Feast of unity and understanding.
Scripture tells us that, on the day of Pentecost, everyone heard and understood.
In these days, we pray that God will send us this gift of understanding, opening all our hearts and minds.
We pray for the people of India, suffering the worst effects of Covid-19.
We pray for the people of the Holy Land, the living stones of the Holy Land where violence has once again taken hold.
We remember the often forgotten people of Nigeria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Sudan and Ethiopia, Myanmar and Tigray, where war and violence has caused so much human suffering.
We also pray to the Holy Spirit for our own land at a difficult time, that wisdom and understanding will prevail.
As we conclude this Easter Season, we give thanks for the hope that the Holy Spirit brings.
May we continue to cherish our rediscovered appreciation of each other in our great parish community of Kingscourt.
And may our hearts and minds be always open to receive the Spirit’s gifts..
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on all this Pentecost of 2021.
