From the Vicar — April/May 2010

For the past two months I have seen Easter eggs in the shops, and hot cross buns appeared about a month ago. Who says our society isn’t religious! Let’s be honest, the god of commercialism is worshipped in our society all year round. However, before we get too cynical, let’s not forget exactly what we are celebrating at Easter.

Celebrating Easter is not just celebrating Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Day. For me it includes celebrating what occurred on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Eve and Easter Day.

Maundy Thursday. The Last Supper when Jesus inaugurated the Holy Communion. When Jesus told his disciples to ‘do this in remembrance of me’. To remember  the giving of his life for me. The breaking of his body, the pouring out of his blood so that I might live. But there is also the remembrance of Jesus being betrayed by Judas and being deserted by the rest of the disciples and the denial of Peter. This all reminds me that Jesus knew exactly what it was to be betrayed and rejected by his closest friends. Jesus has gone through the same painful experiences that we have all gone through so therefore he is able to help us.

Good Friday. The day when Jesus was stripped of his clothes, of his dignity, of his innocence. The day when he hung on the cross, for me. The day when he paid the price for my sins. The day when God declared: ‘I love you and will do everything I can to set you free.’ The day when the heart of God was torn apart. The day I was set free.

Easter Eve. The day when Jesus laid in the tomb—experiencing death itself. There was nothing that Jesus was not prepared to do when he entered into this world.

Easter Day. The day when Jesus rose from the dead. The day God declared that evil will not triumph—that the light of God will never be snuffed out. The day when God declared death has been defeated. The day when the assurance of God’s forgiveness and eternal life was given. What a day to celebrate! It is also the declaration that Jesus had forgiven those who had deserted him—because he told Mary to go and tell them to meet him in Galilee. Not only did Jesus come back to life but his disciples also had a fresh start.

We are people of the Resurrection—so let us celebrate and let us continue to live each day as people who have met the risen Lord.

Christ is risen. Alleluia He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Michael