Following the celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit and the feast of Trinity, the church has entered a time that is named variously the time after Pentecost or Ordinary time. Within this time, we have much to celebrate. The Uniting Church in Australia is celebrating 40 years of its existence. We are commemorating with the Lutheran Church 500 years of the Reformation. As we honour these two anniversaries, we give thanks for God’s Spirit working within these two churches. But even more we give thanks for the blessings that we have all received through them.

We also celebrate with the Assyrian Church of the East as they prepare for the Consecration of Reverend Father Ninos Elya as bishop of the Diocese of Victoria and New Zealand. This joyful occasion will occur because of the growth In Australia of the Assyrian Church of the East. While giving thanks for the gifts of the Holy Spirit that have brought about this growth, we give thanks for the leadership of Archbishop Mar Meelis Zaia, the clergy and many faithful, committed members of the church. As His Holiness Mar Gewargis III Sliwa, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, travels to Australia for this occasion we trust that his visit will bring him great joy and will be a blessing for our Assyrian friends. 

During these holy weeks of Ramadan many of us will have celebrated an Iftar meal with Muslim friends. We know how very, very lucky we are that we are able to sit down to table in friendship with so many. Each year for the past fifty years the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has sent a message to muslims throughout the world. Recognizing the need for our mutual concern for our common home, the message concludes,

May the religious insights and blessings that flow from fasting, prayer and good works sustain you, with God’s help, on the path of peace and goodness, to care for all the members of the human family and for the whole of creation. 

In this ordinary, post-Pentecost time, may we never cease to call on the gifts of the Spirit as we together embrace God’s mission in our world.

Sr Elizabeth Delaney sgs

General Secretary