From the Vicar
During the Easter season, we will hear stories of Christ’s friends and disciples encountering him as the Risen Christ. Each story captures a sense of profound loss, grief and confusion for the followers of Christ experienced in the aftermath of his crucifixion. They are grappling with anxiety and fear in the state of each encounter with the Risen Christ.
What about us, today?
We experience daily contemporary Calvaries, wars and acts of terrorism on children and vulnerable adults; women and men being violated and stripped of their human dignity. But, how can we see beyond these crucifixions into the hope of Easter?
Consider some of these Easter moments: Mary Magdaleine in the Garden, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, or Thomas in the Upper Room. In each of these, the encounter becomes an intimate dialogue where Christ helps each individual to go through these extraordinary moments of a profound recognition. Upon their acknowledgement and understanding springs up an act of proclaiming the Good News – “Hallelujah Christ is Risen!”
From the tragedy of the crucifixion comes the new hope of Easter.
As Christians, we cannot think of our mission here on earth without seeing it as a path to holiness. To walk this path requires prayer and contemplation; these two cannot be separated. We are called to be contemplative even in the midst of challenging situations and to grow in holiness by carrying out our mission in an orderly, responsible and generous way.
The key in our capacity to live the truth of Easter is in the way we receive the Holy Spirit. If we could breathe in the Spirit of God and surrender all to His extravagant love, we can go forth from our encounter with Christ to the world that brings hope through compassion and mercy, justice and peace.
Happy Easter everyone!
Reverend Sydwell Isaac
Your Vicar