The earthshaking promise of Easter is that God has not forsaken any of us. The Risen Christ will meet us along the confused, chaotic, fearful paths of our lives and speak the same words the women hear at the tomb, “Do not be afraid.”’ – James A. Harnish, ‘Easter Earthquake’
As we follow and share with Christ in His Passion, Crucifixion, through to His Resurrection and Ascension the words of Christ, “Do not be afraid” are more real at this time.
We seem to be living in times of great turmoil throughout the world; times of warfare and violence, increased natural disasters, increasing poverty, political turmoil and aggressive disagreement. A time of increased fear and uncertainty.
The crucifixion of Christ shows us that of all the human emotions, love is the most powerful; if we truly love, we are prepared to sacrifice our very selves, body, heart and mind, for those we love. So great is Christ’s love for us that He is prepared to suffer the most horrendous tortures, to sacrifice Himself on the cross that we might truly live.
Easter is a time when we become more acutely aware of how much Christ loves us, how much compassion he has for us, and how much joy He takes in our faithfulness to Him.
While we live in uncertain situations we have no need to fear because Christ walks with us on our journey. Easter is a time of rebirth in nature and in our lives as His disciples.
Knowing this we have no time to be afraid, we are filled with the joy of the Resurrection and the knowledge of His love for us.
Filled with the love of Christ we go out as His disciples to share His love and compassion with all people. There is a greater way than hatred and fear, greed and self-service, that greater way is the way of Christ and it is our joy to share that with the world.
May the Risen Christ fill you with joy and take away all fear and may you have a happy and blessed Easter.
Jim
Priest-in-Charge
