Pentecost. A miniature from a Coptic-Arabic Gospel, 13th century
A VIEW FROM THE BACK PEW
By Rev. Canon Christopher B. J. Pratt
TIMES OF TRANSITION often prove to be challenging.
Change, in any form, is sometimes welcomed and at other times may generate feelings of anger, frustration, or even grief. The way in which we view ourselves or others, may lead to satisfaction or disappointment, if the threshold of expectation is either met or if it falls short.
I write this article days after the Diocesan Family gathered to celebrate the life and ministry of Bishop Bennett. In a few days the global community will focus its attention on St Peter’s, where the life and ministry of Pope Francis will be remembered. The absence of these two leaders will be felt by us in different ways. The loss of both of these leaders generates in us, our own sense, both of loss and change.
In a few days, I will conclude a transitional ministry which has lasted for five months. During that time relationships have been formed and experiences have been shared. Recognizing that for most of us the work that we do demands the use of our hands, this past Maundy Thursday I invited members of the congregation to come forward, providing me with the opportunity to honour their labour by washing their hands. In the midst of that devotional moment, one of the folks who came forward took the water pitcher from me and washed my hands. It was an experience that is now forever etched in my memory.
When you read this article, we will have a new federal government. The election of 2025 will be remembered in many ways. From my perspective, recent events have changed the way we look at ourselves as Canadians and the way in which we view the world around us. The list of those who we name as our friends and allies as a part of the international community has experienced a seismic shift. Change, at that global level of our lives, is an inescapable reality. It is something over which we have no control. As I try, in a word, to describe my feelings as a citizen of this wonderful country, and view the wreckage of past international relationships, the word, simply, is “sadness".
As I read back over the words that I have written, this really feels like a doom and gloom article. Yet on the horizon, as people of faith, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the glimmer of light shining in the distance.
The loss of spiritual leaders, either by death, or by transition, does not serve as an end point of ministry. The values and messages which we have heard or experiences we have shared become not only treasured memories, but also those sparks of faith which generate and empower our own ministries.
Whether it is a new Pope, new episcopal leadership or new parish ministry, all we do is pass along the baton of ministry to the one who follows, just as we have received that ministry from those who have gone before us.
The writer, Azul Thome, has offered a poetic reflection on the ministry and faithful witness of Pope Francis. It is entitled Praise Be The One Who Walked Barefoot in the Corridors of Power. The work concludes with these thoughts:
You are in the roots of sacred resistance
You are in every hand that plants justice
You are in the breath of those who still dare to say;
Another world is not only possible —
She is already here
And She is rising.
Rest, prophet of the poor,
We’ll take it from here.
On the Feast of Pentecost, after the experience of the Crucifixion and facing the reality of the Resurrection and Ascension, St. Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, speaks to a crowd and offers this insight,” When that time comes, my Spirit will rain down on all who serve me, both men and women, and they will boldly speak my words.” (Acts 2:18 “Walking the Good Road" – First Nations Version).
The simple reality is ”that time” has come. We are the people who are called to ”boldly speak” to the world. The Gospel message is a message of change. It is not a message which weighs heavily, or causes frustration, grief and disappointment. The Gospel message reminds, or informs, all who hear it that the world is loved by its Creator. We are called to make the necessary changes in our lives so that we may most fully express our love for our Lord by the way in which we love and serve others in His Name.
When it comes to making transformational change, when it comes to being the catalyst for positive, Gospel motivated change, we do not have the luxury of looking to others to be identified as the ones who might offer that ministry.
The simple reality is… we are the ones we have been waiting for. “We’ll take it from here."
Rev. Canon Christopher B. J. Pratt has retired from full-time parish ministry but continues to offer priestly ministry in the Diocese.