You have now seen in the news from the Episcopal Church that four bishops have been nominated to stand for election as the next Presiding Bishop. I know them, and I am pleased to see the slate of candidates. I will be happy to work with any of them if elected.

‌

This time calls us to keep these four Bishops in our prayers. Each person brings a set of gifts unique and different from others. However, what we need at this time is known only to the Holy Spirit. So, I invite you to pray for the church so that the Holy Spirit will reveal to the bishops who elect the Presiding Bishop and the Deputies of the General Convention who confirm the election to know the right person who will lead us into the next decade.

‌

Also, I want to invite you to please keep the upcoming Pilgrimage at the forefront of your hearts. I intentionally did not use the word “mind.” That’s because God's experience is always personal and subjective. Unless we are in tune with our inner core and the promptings of the Spirit, we will miss how God wants to change our lives. Our experience of God comes to us at the level of our participation in God's revelation at various junctures.

‌

When the pilgrimage details come out, I want you to take that to heart and practice the steps outlined in the program to make our Pilgrim Journey to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Paradise Point unforgettable.

In preparation for that event and the General and Diocesan Convention, I ask you to say this simple prayer a few times daily: “Come, Holy Spirit. Fill our hearts with love. Amen.”

Your brother in Christ

+Jos

The Rt. Rev. Jos Tharakan