The stories of Easter, including the suggestion that it is three days between crucifixion and Jesus being raised from the dead, may not always serve us well.  Whether you are working or have time off, I would like to invite you this Easter to slow the pace as you enter these next days.

This year, a ministry colleague from NZ reflected on Good Friday, inviting friends to a time of sitting and keeping silence. A time to bear witness to life, without turning away.  The invitation was to reflect on the hard things in life, to let them have the space to be looked at, wrestled with, and understood that little bit more.

For some of the UA community, the ongoing events in Gaza and Palestine, in Russia and Ukraine, and other wars, are a very real trauma and it can be hard to live with hope.  Our hearts are with you and your families.

My friend also reminded me we are so keen to get to Easter Sunday – the rush to celebrate, eat with family and friends, find chocolate, and say ‘Christ is Risen.’  All as if magically everything sits well in the world once more.

Yet Easter Sunday also needs its time and space to take deep root within us.  Paul in the book of Corinthians speaks not of resurrection, but of appearance.  So I ask, how might the living Christ appear to you this Easter?  Are you open to being changed by life events and circumstances, learning and growing?  Perhaps you will be kinder to yourself and others, realising it is part of our human journey to want to connect with others, even those of us who are introverts!!  Think about embracing life after Easter, what sort of connections will you offer and receive from others.  Let the journey continue within you, around you, and amongst you, as the living Christ lives on.  Happy Easter.

Rev Clare Brockett

Director of Mission

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