From the Vicar’s Pen: April

When were you last astonished and amazed by something that also set off inside you some alarm and fear? Astonishment and alarm at life events is part of who we are and how we function as human beings.

God in Jesus had been causing astonishment from the outset of his public ministry. Right at the start of Mark’s gospel when Jesus heals a man with an unclean spirit those present were astonished. When Jesus came down from the mountain on which he had been transfigured his very presence causes great astonishment. When the rich young ruler walks away and Jesus says, ‘How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of heaven,’ the disciples are alarmed at his words. Then simply when Jesus is walking towards Jerusalem the very way he walked leads the disciples to be amazed and afraid. In Gethsemane Jesus himself became astonished, alarmed and greatly distressed.

Jesus in his works, his words, and his character creates wonder and alarm in people. The risen Jesus also creates alarm. in fact, there is in the resurrection an alarm about death. Jesus’ resurrection shouts clearly that death is not our end. We see and hear the fear of death around us. We strive against death with all our might. We are continually seeking further cures for all the ways in which death comes about. We do so rightly, and it is wonderful how heart, and other organ, diseases, and cancers of all kinds are being confronted with suffering diminished and life extended. Now we give thanks that we have vaccines to combat Covid 19 too. The skills of the scientific researchers and the medical professions are astounding. Yet the simple reality is that death does come to us all.

No one can avoid it. Death is the one certainty of life.

However, the crucifixion and death of Jesus, and his resurrection tells us that death is not the final winner. In the end God wins. Resurrection happens. Jesus’ resurrection offers us all the hope of resurrection.

The message of the angel to the women on Easter day was clear, ‘But go, tell the disciples that he is going ahead of you to Galilee, there you will see him.’ In the upper room, hidden away for fear Jesus’ disciples must have wondered what the future held for them all. Every hope and dream built up in the Galilean ministry had been smashed to pieces by Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. All had ended. For Peter, all his memory was of final denials.

On Easter day, however, the angel’s words tell them that following Jesus has not ended at all. They tell Peter that the end of his story is not denial but forgiveness, restoration, acceptance and a new start. They are being assured that the journey goes on. The adventure continues. The story of God in Jesus that is to give hope of eternal life to the world has only just begun. Resurrection says that discipleship is always about repentance, forgiveness and fresh starts. It is always about continuing to follow God in Jesus.

As we celebrate Easter this month, let us join the women travelling to the tomb and find we are met with the news ‘He is not here. He has been raised.’ May we be alarmed afresh by this astonishing and wonderful news.

At Easter, may we all once again rejoice with gratitude and astonishment that Jesus is risen from the dead.

Wishing you all a Blessed Easter!

With my prayers and very best wishes,

Godfrey