We can grow weary from the cumulative impact of global and national crises in recent years as we grapple with Cyclone Gabrielle and sorely tested by challenges such as the global financial crisis, pandemic, and Christ Church earthquakes. However, like how Jesus was sustained by the Holy Spirit in his time of testing in the wilderness, we, too, can put our trust in and be anchored by scripture, said Right Rev. Hamish Galloway, Moderator of Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) in his Lent message.
Similar to how angels attended to Jesus after the time of testing, acts of kindness from angels in disguise – complete strangers – were seen in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, he added. As such, he encouraged church members that “as bearers of the Spirit, guided by the scriptures”, they can be inspired by the Lenten story of Jesus and be equipped with readiness for action.