On the Day of Pentecost, the Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf, Assisting Bishop of Long Island, preached at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in Manhattan. In her sermon, Bishop Wolf reflected on the coming of the Holy Spirit as a defining moment for the early Church—one that continues to guide and challenge us today.
She spoke about the Church as both a spiritual body and a human institution—at times functioning like a corporation—with systems, structures, and responsibilities. Yet even within that structure, the Spirit still moves, calling us to renewed purpose and deeper faithfulness. With humor and warmth—including a nod to pickleball—Bishop Wolf reminded listeners that the Holy Spirit often meets us in the ordinary and unexpected.
“The Spirit doesn’t wait for the Church to be perfect. The Spirit shows up in the messiness of community, of structure, of everyday life—and says, ‘Start here.’”
Watch the sermon to hear Bishop Wolf’s thoughtful and timely reflection on what Pentecost means for us now.