Jesus Christ is Risen.
He is risen indeed. Hallelujah!
Acts 2:14,36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35
Today is beautiful, its warm and sunny – a spectacular spring day. The trees and bushes are bursting into life. Sitting in the garden it’s peaceful and relaxing. One could be forgiven for thinking all is well with the world as nature continues to thrive in a quieter and less polluted place.
Today William returned South to resume his course at Dartmouth College. Despite the circumstances it has been wonderful to have him at home – and for so long! What was meant to be a quick three-day visit turned out to be several weeks!
What strange weeks they have been! In many ways we have had a good time – enjoying the better weather, gardening, exercising and best of all trying new recipes and challenges in the kitchen. However, in the shadows, we are conscious that these are not normal times. The daily political update reminds us of the predicament in which we find ourselves. I heard in the news this week that museum curators are already gathering lockdown memorabilia for a time in the future when this will be history and thus exhibited as such. Although we are assured that there is light at the end of the tunnel as the graphs are beginning to point in the right direction, that time seems a long way off and the road very uncertain.
Our gospel today is the superb resurrection story of Jesus walking along the road to Emmaus with his disciples. At first, they do not recognise him as they share with him all their anguish and distress following the crucifixion. It is only when he breaks bread and gives thanks to God that they realise that he is the risen Christ. Many of us may feel we are walking a similar road of uncertainty and anguish. Recognising the face of God in suffering is always a challenge. However, it is often in suffering and in times of adversity that we draw near to God and feel his presence more keenly. Perhaps in this particular journey we see the face of Christ in the nurses, doctors, carers, scientists, pharmacists, teachers, delivery drivers, retailers and all the key workers.
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road?” Luke 14:32
In the book of Acts Peter tells us that through Baptism we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. As we continue in this lockdown may our hearts also burn with the Holy Spirit as we journey together in this uncharted territory.
I will look forward to joining you all again via You Tube on Thursday for our morning Eucharist. Please feel free to telephone me at any time.
My love and prayers to you all as always
Andrea
A Prayer for God’s blessing
Loving God, bless and receive all who are affected by Coronavirus: Especially:
Those who are sick and afraid
Those who are especially vulnerable
Those for whom home is not safe or available
Those who have lost their livelihoods
Those who have lost their lives
Those mourning for loved ones.
Bless all people caring for the sick
Give them strength, wisdom, endurance
Grant them healing hands
Surround them with your love.
Spare us in the time of trial
Deliver us from evil.
Amen