Easter Reflection
by Bishop Dorrien
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ poured out his life for us, St Paul says:
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things (Romans 8:32).
As we reflect on Lent and prepare for our Easter celebrations, scripture reminds us that Jesus poured out his life for us. Lent is a time when God invites us to return to him with all our hearts, seeking healing and knowledge of his transforming love.
Recently, I heard the Dean refer to our Lenten journey as “a pilgrimage of grace with God.” How right she is. As we make our way to the foot of the cross, we look to Him for direction, healing, hope and new beginnings.
Journeys are often difficult, demanding and challenging. We try to dismiss the hardships we face as if they are of no account. However on the “pilgrimage of grace”, we are made to face the truth about ourselves, recognising our pain, confusion and distress and handing them over to Him. Although it is a personal confrontation, it is often a shared experience with our dependance on the love of God.
Sometimes, those we meet on our way help us to recognise our failings and show us how to make matters right. The Evangelist Joyce Meyer said: “No matter what has happened to you in the past or what is going on in your life right now, it has no power to keep you from having an amazingly good future if you will walk by faith with God. God loves you! He wants you to live with victory over sin so you can possess His promises for your life today!”
We walk the way of the cross in weakness, our total dependance on the love of Jesus and the application of his word to our lives shows us a better way on the road to eternal life,
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20).
As we walk the path to Calvary, let us lean upon this truth for support, guidance, and inspiration. Let us be open to the power of the Holy Spirit in the silence of our prayer, recognising the healing forgiveness of Jesus to wash away our iniquity, cleanse us from our sin and lead us to a joyful celebration of the Risen Jesus as we make our Pilgrimage of Grace together.