From the Minister

Ruth

From the Minister

April 2024

Dear Friends,

I wonder if you like surprises? We probably all do providing they are pleasant, even though there is that moment of shock when a surprise is revealed and we are not quite sure what is happening. Anyone who has ever had a surprise party organised for them will know the feeling you get when you arrive at the venue and all of the unexpected guests greet you with a cheer; it’s all wonderful, but you feel it can’t really be happening.

As we come to celebrate Easter we will hear the biblical accounts of the disciples having the biggest surprise of their lives as they discover the empty tomb and meet with the risen Christ. The events that unfold are truly amazing, but the shock is so great that the disciples have problems absorbing the reality of what has happened. All of the Gospel accounts capture something of the uncertainty that Jesus’ friends felt, from Mary who doesn’t recognise Jesus in the garden to the disciples in Matthew who manage to worship in spite of their doubts.

Perhaps the starkest Gospel account, however, is that of Mark, which has two endings; some manuscripts end with the women meeting the angel at the tomb and others close with the ascension. In this account the women are frightened by the empty tomb and at first remain silent then when they do eventually speak of the resurrection the disciples refuse to believe them. Even after two other disciples meet Jesus on the road and tell of their experience the others are doubtful and it eventually takes Jesus appearing himself to convince them that he is risen – all this in spite of the many times that Jesus speaks of his death and resurrection before it happens. We who know the story well seem to find it easy to disapprove of the disciples’ attitude and to wonder why they just don’t get the message. Surely the joy of the Easter message is plain to see!

I wonder though if we are any more observant and faithful than those first disciples. Do we recognise God at work in the world around us or is it often easier to focus on the destructive powers in society? Are we prepared to proclaim with confidence ‘Jesus is risen’ or do we sometimes hold back from fear of offending others? Perhaps we are more like the disciples than we would care to think.

The good news is that God provides the strength that the disciples need to overcome their fear and unbelief and in both accounts Mark finishes by speaking of the proclamation of hope and salvation to the world. God gives us the strength that we need today to continue spreading his good news, so this Eastertide let us surprise the world with a celebration – Jesus is risen, alleluia!

Wishing you a joyful Eastertide.

Ruth.