St. James was filled this past week with clergy, lay delegates and observers for the election of the Fourth Bishop of our diocese. I was struck by the diversity of people in attendance; not people that many would think of when thinking of their image of an Episcopalian. I’ve had these thoughts before in gazing over our membership on a given Sunday while attending a service. What I am struck by, is the differences in us all. There are people from every walk of life. What a gift to have such diversity in people and gifts. Yes, each one represented has their own special set of gifts. When I have these thoughts, I sometimes try to wonder what St. James would look like if we truly embraced our diversity and used our gifts both individually and collectively for the sharing of Christ.

This Saturday, the clergy and people of the Western Diocese of Louisiana meeting here at St. James will elect a new Bishop. Not only those involved in the voting, but all others across the Diocese, have sought throughout the selection process the guidance of the Holy Spirit in choosing a bishop and chief pastor. We offer up our prayers that our new Bishop’s ministry will boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Let us join with him individually and as a church and diocese in this gospel enterprise to encourage sharing Christ.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus delivers the Holy Spirit not with fire and tongues, but with common breath, just as the Creator breathed life into Adam. The result of this gift of the Spirit is responsibility rather than nature-bending miracles or speaking in tongues. The spirit-filled in this story are those who are given the everyday work of reconciliation, the remission of sins. Each breath we take is a gift of the Spirit, and with each breath we are commissioned to do God’s work of healing in this world. Not much drama in that, but plenty of responsibility.
    - Forward Day By Day

 HE IS RISEN! THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUA! The Easter Story has been revealed to you and me since birth. For many of us that’s a long time. How are we revealing it through your lives to others? If you have not considered it before now, it’s time to do so.