It is a strange time. We are all having to cope both with the fear of Coronavirus and with the problems of isolation and often loneliness. There is the frustration of not being able to do the things we want to do or to see the people we want to see. ‘Lockdown’ was quickly followed by Palm Sunday, Holy week and Easter Sunday. The celebrations surrounding Easter were very different this year. We are told that Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” He went through the emotional mill in Gethsemane. Jesus’ followers deserted him and he died alone on the cross. He was very much alone. He even felt that God the Father had abandoned him. As we all know Jesus the Son of God went to the cross as God’s plan to bring forgiveness and salvation. Jesus was however fully human and it would be wrong to think he did not experience the things that all people feel. It would be wrong to think he did not experience the things that you and I are feeling right now. But the cross was not the end. On the third day he rose to life. After that, over a period of 40 days, he appeared to various people.

On Easter Sunday he spoke to Mary Magdalene outside his tomb. That evening he joined two people walking from Jerusalem to the nearby village of Emmaus. When they realised it was Jesus they ran back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples. The disciples told them that Jesus had appeared to Peter. Then Jesus came and stood among them. A week later he appeared to the disciples again while they were hiding behind closed doors in fear. After some of the disciples had gone fishing, Jesus spoke to them. He appeared to a large crowd on one occasion. The risen Jesus Christ in all his power and glory comes to all who will receive him. The human Jesus who has endured loneliness, fear and suffering comes to us. They are one and the same. There is only one Jesus Christ. Jesus took our humanity and redeemed us, he is the eternal and unchanging God, he was dead and now lives forever. He comes to all who seek him. Christ knows exactly how you feel – for he is God and knows all things. Christ understands exactly how you feel – for he has experienced the human condition. He promises all who truly seek him that they will find him, and he promises to all who find him the peace that only he can give. May you know he is with you today.

Drew Barrie.

(If you would like to print a copy of the news letter then a PDF can be found below)