As I write this, we come to the end of Holy Week. A journey which has been so different this year as we have travelled in isolation in our homes. Tomorrow we celebrate Easter Day – the day of resurrection, triumph and hope. Never more have we prayed for just that – resurrection, triumph and hope from this virus that has changed our daily lives, taken the lives of some and threatened the livelihoods of many more.
This week, as in previous weeks of isolation, there have been many moments of challenge and joy.
We have continued to enjoy walks with the dogs and now we sit in the garden when the sun is out; we have persevered with zoom meetings, followed the daily updates on the BBC and struggled at times to remind ourselves that this is really Holy Week!
The Church of England has faced much criticism in the press this week over its decision to keep churches locked. Critics say that at a time like this people need a sacred space to pray and to find comfort and courage. They say the Church – which struggles to find relevance at the best of times – is failing people in their hour of need. I think the Church is in a difficult position. Its not easy for its leaders to make these calls and by closing its doors it is simply complying with government instruction.
God and Christianity are larger than empty church buildings. While these restrictions are in place we must adapt and learn to worship differently. If we believe God is omnipresent, then we can be sure the Holy Spirit is with us always – in our hearts and in our souls. God receives our prayers wherever we are. At home we can spend time in contemplation, read our scriptures, listen to music and worship online in various forms. Obviously, none of this is the same as being together in collective worship but it is all we have for the moment.
On a positive note many more people are accessing worship online who may rarely have engaged in any form of worship previously – God can move in a mysterious way!
What I have really missed this Holy Week is the singing of the wonderful passion hymns, some of which are my favourites. Yesterday morning was Good Friday; while eating my breakfast I listened to some of those hymns on the iPad. The words and tunes are so moving and thoughtful. On top of my list was “When I survey, O sacred head, It is a thing most wonderful…..” But the one that particularly caught my attention was “The Old Rugged Cross” I love that ancient hymn which speaks so faithfully of the salvation of Christ.
During this time of crisis, people throughout the nation have been putting pictures of rainbows in their windows as signs of hope. For Christians the cross is the sign of hope.
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain
So, I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown!
Today as we cling to our old rugged cross through uncertainty, fear and isolation we can celebrate Easter! This most extraordinary event tells us that the old rugged cross brought victory from death. In the resurrection Christ rose from the dead to new life bringing hope and salvation to all people!
This is the GOOD NEWS of Easter!
(Thanks to Robert for putting the rainbow poster above on the church notice board, sharing the joy of Easter with the surrounding community.)