EASTER UPDATE

There may be a great fire in your soul, but not one every comes to warm himself by it, all the passers-by can see is a little smoke coming out of the chimney, and they walk on”. Letter from Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo Cuemes, July 1880

In this letter to his brother, Vincent struggles to be understood and appreciated for his art and his inner passion.

These Easter Days we will once again contemplate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our blessed Lord. It begins with the lighting of the Easter Fire, lit in darkness, signifying the victorious Christ, who has overcome death and darkness. It is the light of God’s glory that shines through the darkness of sin and death. The new paschal candle will be lit from this fire symbolising Christ risen from the dead. Lumen Christi, Jesus our light in this world.

The question we may ask ourselves, is how can we draw others to have their hearts warmed by the fire of God’s love? There are many parts of our world today and many people who are far from the saving events we are celebrating this Easter. Even those who profess to be Christians have a warped view of what it means to show compassion, preferring instead to build their world around TARIFFS.

The Sudan is a far away country for us, nevertheless, we must not be immune to the tragedy of the war and the dreadful suffering of its people. Likewise for the many other disasters in the world at this present time.

Nearer to home we know many of our family and friends who may not want to seek the warmth of this blessed fire we will light once again this Easter, but we can take something its warmth  and light by being loving and compassionate to them.

May the Risen Christ fill you with joy and peace this Easter.

Happy Easter from Canon Bill, Father Simon, and Deacon Gary.

Poem by Joseph Mary Plunkett

I see his blood upon the rose
And in the stars the glory of his eyes,
His body gleams amid eternal snows,
His tears fall from the skies.

I see his face in every flower;
The thunder and the singing of the birds
Are but his voice—and carven by his power
Rocks are his written words.

All pathways by his feet are worn,
His strong heart stirs the ever-beating sea,
His crown of thorns is twined with every thorn,
His cross is every tree.