We celebrated the Feast of Pentecost a few weeks ago when the Holy Spirit of God descended upon the apostles. Jesus said that this event would empower them to preach the Gospel to all nations and bring many people to believe in the power and love of God.

Following that first Pentecost, the next stage of God’s plan for his people began. While Jesus came to earth to bring salvation, God intended to do even greater things after Jesus returned to heaven. But how exactly could this happen? By giving His people the power to continue where Jesus had left off. Only then could generations experience the same love and power of Jesus as did the apostles.

So how does all this happen? How does the saving work of Jesus continue with the appearance of the Holy Spirit? To do any work, we must have tools. And the Holy Spirit within us guides us and strengthens us to do the Lord’s work. He gives us tangible gifts, and He gives us spiritual gifts. And I will introduce you to these gifts over the next few weeks. But no matter the gift, know that our God is with us every day, helping us to be the best person we can be and empowering us to share his love with all we meet.

We are blessed to have a God who cares so much for us that He would share His holiness, grace, and love with us! We are indeed blessed!

About the author: Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.