From the Rector
by Rev. David Caffrey, Rector
Easter, Pentecost, and the Ministry of the Laity
If Easter inaugurates the new life in Christ, the Ascension sets the stage, and the Spirit (Pentecost) gives energy to the Body of Christ – us – to continue the work of the Risen One. It is to be noticed that in the Gospel for Pentecost the Holy Spirit is given to all the Disciples – the whole church – and not just Peter, or the “leaders”, or the clergy.
As we look to the second half of the Easter Season I see a number of places where the ministry of all the Baptized will be encouraged, exercised, or enhanced.
On May 3rd, there will be a workshop on Benedictine Spirituality – the way of life that teaches how Christian people (mostly laity) live in a community. It is the Spirituality that works. Most monks in Benedict’s day were not clergy – and there is no evidence that Benedict himself was a priest either.
On May 4th at Kirkin’ of the Tartans we will be using more of our Lay Eucharistic Ministers to distribute both the bread and the wine at the Eucharist with our communion stations. It is time to enrich with action our “words” about lay ministry – contrary to popular belief the Bread is not superior to the wine and there is no legal or theological reason why priests “do” the bread and LEMS “do” the cup. (It’s probably because the bread is easier!).
On May 11th at Pentecost –lay voices will proclaim the Gospel in many languages – some new languages from last year. On May 23rd-25th we will have a first-ever Adult Retreat for any interested member of the parish which will offer Benedictine and other tools for our ministries as we journey on.
Yes, Jesus rose from the dead. At the Ascension his appearances cease. On Pentecost the Spirit comes and now it is we, the people of God, who carry on the work of the Lord. If Jesus kept on re-appearing we’d probably still be waiting around for the next meeting. (An administrative nightmare!)
It is God’s plan inaugurated in Jesus – for the Baptized to continue the good work he began in the Spirit for the Renewal of God’s world.
That’s us! Not just clergy – our job is to see to it that God’s people have the tools and supplies they need. But the Risen Lord is now to be seen in the ministry of all his people in whom he dwells and in whom he continues to appear.
The Lord Is Risen. Alleluia.
Fr. David
