Easter message from Bishop Graeme

Our world at the present time sometimes seems to be more dark than light, more ruled by sadness than joy. Conflict and want appear to be insuperable problems. We stand apparently helpless before them. 

God’s promise, though, is that with Jesus’ resurrection, his overcoming of death and all the fear that accompanies it, we have it in our power as human beings to bring light where there is darkness. Our task is to confront the darkness wherever we find it; to banish fear, knowing that God’s love in Jesus will hold us safe.
 
There is a tradition in the Church that during the season of Lent, the six weeks before Easter, you cannot say or sing the word “alleluia!”. It is often referred to, humourously, as the “A Word”! Come Easter Day though, things change!
 
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the Cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
 
Alleluia is simply an expression of joy and praise. It’s a shout. And come Easter Day, we have a lot to shout about.
 
At the service called the Easter Vigil, held on the Saturday night before Easter Day, a huge candle is carried into the darkened church.  It is a single light penetrating the darkness.  As it moves deeper into the church the words “The Light of Christ” are sung three times. From it the candles held by the congregation are slowly lit, the light spreading.  It represents the victory over death and darkness won by Jesus in his resurrection. It is a journey from darkness and fear to light and joy.
 
The Christian way of life is often described as being a pilgrimage. It is a journey through our earthly existence, with Jesus as our guide and companion. In Jesus we find new insights into love, into truth and into life itself.  It is a transformational journey that never ceases to surprise and challenge.

So be brave. Be ready with your shout of Alleluia! Rejoice that Jesus is indeed risen from the dead and indeed brings new life, and hope for the future of our world.