Faith and Mission 

Easter Liturgy 

The good news of Easter is here. The shops are full of chocolates and hot cross buns are for sale (in truth, they have been since not long after Boxing Day). The weather is changing with the seasons, and daylight saving is soon to end. And the longest long weekend of the year is about to begin.

The week leading to Easter, Holy Week, begins with Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday reminds us of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, at a time when the city was abuzz in preparation for the Passover. The gospels tell of Jesus being feted for his greatness, cheered by the many who gathered waving palms in the air and placing cloaks on the ground. And yet, by the end of the week, Jesus shares his last meal with the disciples, is sentenced to death and brutally crucified on the cross. After, his body is taken down and laid to rest in a tomb that had been carved into stone.

Mary and some other women go to the tomb early in the morning of the third day. Many of us who have experienced the first light of dawn know that this moment can be one of great beauty and wonder. The changing light, rising sun and smell in the air create a moment of serenity and anticipation of what the day may bring. This moment is not unlike that experienced by Mary and the women that morning. In Matthew’s Gospel, they encounter the presence of an ‘angelic figure’ that inspires them to believe in Jesus’ resurrection, so they hurry back to the disciples to share the good news.

So what is the good news? A scan of the news media quickly shows that good news is hard to find. So what meaning or message can we take from the events of Easter? Or is it in the actions of Jesus throughout his ministry before entering Jerusalem? His preparedness to go to the marginalised, care for the sick, listen to the outcast and to forgive the sinner. Is the message for us to listen, to understand, allow others the time and space to reflect and grow, and to let go of our own anger and let go of the negative things that hold us back?

The story of Easter is one of reflection, celebration, renewal and hope. In this season of Easter, let us pray for peace. Peace in our homes, peace in our community and peace in our world.