Our Superintendent Minister’s Reflection on Holy Week & Easter
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” ~ John 1:5
This season has been very challenging for our community, our nation and our world. For many of us, this has been a time of darkness, of fear and anxiety. Our tendency is to run away from these times of darkness and to fill our lives with distractions and our time with busyness…but we may be missing the point. It is these moments that can often lead us closer to God and open our hearts to hear more profoundly God’s voice.
As followers of Jesus, we know that Jesus had his own journey through darkness. He too experienced rejection… moments when his friends betrayed and denied him…trials of great pain and suffering. And yet, even in this darkness, the light still had the power to shine through. During the trial of his last days, there were moments of light: friends gathered together for a meal, a woman anointing him with oil, a foreigner willing to help carry his cross, and a loving mother keeping vigil at the foot of his cross. Light continued to break through even in the darkest of challenges. It is the promise of this light that leads us to live as Resurrection people, trusting that God’s light and love will always shine through. It is this promise of Light that will walk us through this time as well.
May we ponder the empty tomb and truly mourn the death of our Saviour during Holy Week so that as Jesus beckons life renewed we may joyously proclaim the glory of the risen Christ. Alleluia! Christ is Risen, Christ is Risen indeed, Alleluia!
There are three ways that I invite you to consider participating as you enter Holy Week:
- Invite friends and family to your church! Many seek to find a church during Holy Week and your invitation may be a real grace in the lives of many.
- Participate boldly as we gather for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Help in any way that you are able. If you see something that needs tidying, or passed out, please lend a hand. One of the blessings of serving at your church is the way we are all needed to make the service happen.
- Be the good news of Easter every day in the ordinariness of life. Buy coffee for the person behind you in the long drive-through line, take time to really ask how someone is doing and get involved in a new ministry at your church.
I invite you to pray for your Church and have written a prayer for our time of visioning:
Spirit of Restlessness,
who offers respite for the weary and life-giving hope:
Awaken in this your gathered faithful people. Renewed vision in your Holy Spirit and hope for the future ministry that we may serve our church community with a healing balm worthy of your grace and splendour through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
As Easter people, let us continue to be the church: Loving God! Loving Others!
HAPPY EASTER
