The original draft of my letter had been neatly typed out on my word processor and I thought I had copied it onto a disc, but when it came to production it was a complete blank and I have had to do it all again. Oh, for my old typewriter instead of the complications of modern technology!
Lent is almost past and this month we shall soon be observing Passiontide and the joy of Easter Day. Lent should be the opportunity for reflection and penitence before the climax of the Christian year at Easter and message of new life and hope after death that it brings. Lent and Holy Week are an essential progress before we can begin to fully understand what the resurrection of Christ is all about. Don't let it become a blank disc for you!
Christians for centuries have always used Lent as a period of time which focussed on the mystery of baptism and the eucharist. It was the time when candidates for baptism were presented at the Easter vigil service and on Easter Day, we too will be able to renew once again our own baptismal promises.
Easter and the celebration of Christ's victory over death are not a fantasy celebration. During this joyful season we encounter Thomas the doubter and we hear how the early Christians grew in the Faith which led to their persecution and dispersal. We wonder at the stories of the physical appearances of the risen Christ, His Ascension and the promised gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
This is the wonderful story of our redemption. At Easter the great Easter candle stands beside the altar to remind us of a risen Lord Jesus who comes to us again and again as we 'Do this' at His table and He makes Himself known to us in the Breaking of Bread. A time when all communicants should be at the altar.
May you all be filled with the joy of His risen life.
God Bless you.
Your priest and friend.
written by Fr Malcolm Ferrier
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