Dear Friends,
Lights will guide you home. And ignite your bones. And I will try to fix you. These words form the chorus of the song “Fix You” by Coldplay. Since the song was released in 2005, the Montreal Canadiens have been using the melody at the beginning of each home game. The liturgy at the opening begins with a wind blowing. A child skates to centre ice with a torch in hand. The fire is touched down at centre ice, and the arena and the fans are inflamed as Coldplay riffs. In the playoffs, that is something to behold. The song expresses a longing hope for one who is grieving, one who is coming through a dark time. And it summons the one to hold on for the day when lights will guide you home.
On the day of Pentecost, I can picture that upper room, occupied by a large group of people, united in spirit but experiencing a mix of emotions: anxiety, grief, anticipation, confusion, hope, deep joy. Then: a mighty wind, a rushing sound that grows, the colour red all around, an outpouring of energy, empowerment, excitement, joy. The touching down of the Holy Spirit like a flame upon each of them.
In all seriousness, Sunday’s celebration of the Holy Spirit is a time to reflect on God’s amazing power in our lives and in the Church. It is God’s Spirit that gives us the energy, the imagination, the urgency and the joy to live out our faith in ways that can change the world, one soul at a time.
Last night at Synod Council, the Rev. Canon Pamela Rayment gave an excellent presentation from the NetWeavers, that small group of clergy and lay leaders in our Diocese who are championing and encouraging the 20 Calls of Cast the Net. The synthesis of the breakout room conversations on the 20 Calls from our Synod last November was shared with council, and I encourage you to read it too. The report reflects on some of what we learned and where our key challenges and barriers may be that are preventing transformative change, renewal and growth.
The NetWeavers have been celebrating the successes of our progress so far – most notably the Spirit-filled Season of Spiritual Renewal, which faithfully grounded us in the source of our joy – but we have to re-invigorate our Diocese to think ahead to next steps and ongoing growth. We will be paying attention to which Calls are getting traction and attention, and perhaps equally importantly, which Calls have little engagement and interest.
I hope that you and your parish are continuing to work on identifying the Calls that you will be focusing on in the coming months. Synod 2027 will be here before we know it! I do believe that the Synod Members, who may see themselves and their reflections in the pages of the synthesis report, will be the champions for the 20 Calls in their own parishes, helping to keep that focus ever before the leadership, staff and volunteers as they go about their daily ministry. How is the Holy Spirit inspiring you and your church family to respond to your own context and the mission of Christ in the world around you? How is the Holy Spirit empowering you to work and act collaboratively with your neighbours to build up the Body of Christ?
As the Holy Spirit blew through that upper room on the day of Pentecost, and continues to blow through the Church today – with an energy surpassing more than we can imagine – it is easy to respond with enthusiasm, energy and joy.
Come, Holy Spirit, Come. Olé, Olé, Olé!
Yours in Christ,
The Right Reverend Andrew Asbil
Bishop of Toronto
