General Secretary’s Pentecost Message: Spirit of Recreation

by CWM Communications Team

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13

Dear brothers and sisters,

Greetings of Peace and grace in the name of the Triune God!

As the world opens up after over two years of the Covid-19 global pandemic, various socio-political and economic inequalities are also coming to the surface, exposing the multiple forms of oppression, deeply rooted corruption, greed and structures that are in place to keep certain sections of the people vulnerable. As a result, the powerful are growing into more powerful, and the vulnerable are plunging into deeper vulnerability.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been slowly fading away, leaving the society with scars of pain and brokenness. On the other hand, the ongoing wars and military occupations in various parts of the world, the accumulation of modern destructive weapons, and the exploitation of the earth and its resources continuously prove that the global society is at a significant threat. These scars on humanity and the planet created by Covid-19 and other forms of exploitation are so deep that only the power of God’s Spirit can heal and reconcile the humanity.

It is in the midst of these significant challenges we celebrate Pentecost. Celebrating Pentecost in the post-Covid-19 context requires the rebooting and rebuilding of our societies with just relationships and a transformed understanding of life in its fullness for all. As envisioned in the bible, such a vision of a transformed society is nothing but a “New Heaven and New Earth,” the home of righteousness. It is also the home of the right relationship between humanity and creation, a just oikonomia that affirms the economy of life.

The new CWM Strategy Framework aims to enable the communities to live out the New Heaven and New Earth by responding to the call to radical discipleship in the midst of this wounded and grieving world. As the disciples, we follow that Christ’s mission is to give life in its fullness to all (John 10:10). And Holy Spirit, God the life-giver, empowers us to Spirit’s mission of life and renews the whole creation.

Pentecost reminds us that we cannot go back to the old lifestyle and systems that brought forth the pandemic and deeply wounded the world. We must commit ourselves together in humility and hope to the Mission of the Holy Spirit God who recreates all and reconciles all. Through the Holy Spirit, God affirms the vision of the reign of God, “Behold, I create new Heavens and new Earth” (Isaiah 65:17).

“Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22), the Breath of Life!

Prayer

Come Holy Spirit transform with newness
the world that you love
that all creation may
rejoice in freedom with you.

Come Holy Spirit
inspire us to see you
in the places that hide you and summon us to witness at your side.

Come Holy Spirit
convert us from death to life subvert our ways of living trading, being
that hurt and harm the earth.

Come Holy Spirit enthuse and renew us
fill us with song
so turning from loss,
we join your dance of life.

Go Holy Spirit
lead and leave us again push us on our way
send us to our neighbours and Creation’s future day.

AMEN

Taken from “Together Towards Life” p49.

Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum

CWM General Secretary

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