A friend of mine, in her business, uses the motto “Don’t Postpone Joy.” This phrase could be the theme of the Day of Pentecost (May 31 this year). It could also be the theme of the season of Pentecost (May 31 – November 22) and of every Christian’s life.
Christian Joy is what Jesus promised his followers in John’s gospel,….”so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” (John 5:11) Thus Jesus reassured his disciples and helped prepare them for the gift of the Holy Spirit which would always be with them to comfort, strengthen, and cheer them.
We live with that Joy today in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. As I go about my daily rounds among you, I encounter signs of Joy.
— In the spirit filled visitations in our parishes
— In the Spring Ingathering of the United Thank Offering at our Episcopal Churchwomen’s meeting at St. Francis, Somerset.
— In the May Clergy Day when thirty of our clergy gathered to pray together, to listen to each other, and to share our hopes for our common ministry.
— In the May Diocesan Leadership Day where more than thirty members of our Standing Committee, our Board of Trustees and our Diocesan Council met to pray together and to ponder the shared ministry in our diocese as we follow Jesus into the future life of the diocese and its ministry.
These are just some of the many signs of Joy and witness as I minister among you this spring as your Assisting Bishop.
I hope that you are aware of God’s signs of Joy surrounding you and that, with me, you’ll never stop praying, “Come Holy Spirit, Come.”
+Robert H. Johnson
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