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Easter reflections – Day 7
“I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Day 1 – - – Day 2 – - – Day 3 – - – Day 4 – - – Day 5 – - – Day 6 – - – Day 7 – - – Day 8 – - -> As we continue our journey along the Stations of the Cross, find a few minutes to consider these images, and what they mean. The questions and quotes below may help. How will they shape the way you see the world today? 13. Taken from the cross The responsibility for carrying has moved to Jesus’ family and followers. Lovingly, they take their hope in their hands. What are they feeling? They had shared in Jesus’ work. They had seen healings and other miracles. They had the beginnings of a movement, a new kingdom, set to define their whole lives under Jesus as king. Many had left homes and lives behind in order to follow. So now what? It was not just Christ who had died. Ideas and expectations, even hope, seemed to die with him. For a follower whose life was fully invested in that hope, they died too. As Saint Paul wrote: “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them…” (2 Corinthians 5 verses 14 and 15) It has become their time to serve out of love for Jesus, and they carried him away to a donated tomb. Where are our hopes? How much have we invested in them? Is our commitment so strong that we are no longer living for ourselves? Jesus’ body is in his followers’ hands, but his life is in his father’s hands. The greatest miracle and the real beginning of the kingdom are yet to come. The faithful whose hope had died will share in the life to come. Are we ready to put our lives in God’s hands? 14. Laid in the tomb While our hope in life may be to achieve many great things, hope for the dead is more simple – to preserve the body, and delay decay. What kind of hope are we living for right now? While everyone who lives is unique and recognisable by action and character, it is harder to recognise one grave among many. How distinctive are we? Jesus’ work had come to an end – at least for now. His followers hurried to start the preparations to preserve his body, because the sabbath day of rest was approaching. What is the difference between rest and death? If we want a full life, can we afford to rest? God says we must. Do we trust him? Where are we looking for hope, comfort, security and identity? “I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” (Psalm 16 verses 8 to 10) Walk with us Day 1 – - – Day 2 – - – Day 3 – - – Day 4 – - – Day 5 – - – Day 6 – - – Day 7 – - – Day 8 – - -> Considering these things alone can be valuable, but daunting. When we walk through this together, we can find strength. So you are invited to join us and walk the Stations of the Cross at Saint Stephens. Holy Saturday 11th – 8.30pm – Celebrating the Mystery together with signs of the resurrection, the first communion of Easter, and the chants and sounds of mystery, hope and transformation Easter Sunday 12th – 10.30am – Celebration of Easter, simply, with the cafe, garden, flowers, communion (and Easter eggs!) Want to ask a question or share a thought? As well as joining us in person, you can email easter@saint-stephens.com Please indicate if your comments are private or for sharing, and we would love to hear from you.
Bern Leckie, Development administrator, Saint Stephens Leave a Reply |
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