Dear friends,
The lengthening of daylight hours, and the reappearance of colour in our gardens announce that Spring is well and truly on its way. There is much more activity around the Rectory Bird Feeder, and that brings cheer to us all.
Daffodils and Snowdrops, Blackbirds and Dunnocks were not restricted by Covid Regulations and they are just getting on with their normality.
Our Normality has been severely restricted over the past two years, and for some of us this time has been very hard indeed. The hope of “getting back to normal” has always been there as a faint pinprick of light at the end of the Tunnel.
Unfortunately, the appalling events in Ukraine seem to have dimmed what light was there as we are all trying to understand what “war in Europe” actually means, and as we, quite rightly, look at what we can do as individuals and communities to assist those whose lives have been utterly destroyed by Evil.
In the middle of this very dark time, we celebrate the Joyful news of the Resurrection of Christ. The utter and total Triumph of Light over Darkness symbolised by the Lighting of Fire and Candles.
That same celebration will be taking place in shelters and hiding places under the bombardment from enemy forces in Ukraine.
Just as Daffodils are not restricted by rules and regulations, neither is God’s love negated by Human action. It may well seem to be impeded by the wickedness that Humankind is capable of, but the Easter Story tells us that Christ’s light and Power is boundless.
Those of us who claim to be Children of the Resurrection should use every opportunity to shine as lights in dark places. Let us witness to the Light of Christ’s resurrection by demonstrating his love in caring for those for whom light and peace seem but a distant dream. In putting pressure on our elected officials to work for an end to this conflict and to show hospitality and mercy to refugees.
I do hope that you will be able to join us for our Holy Week and Easter Services, and join us in praying for those who have neither the safety or freedom to celebrate Easter in their own country.
With love and prayers,
Philip