#WatchAndPray reflections - Happy Easter!
Morning
Holy Week: Easter Day
Alleluia. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Reading
Matthew 17.22-23
As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.’ And they were greatly distressed.
Reflection
When reading through Matthew’s Gospel we may wonder why the disciples were surprised by Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus had been preparing his disciples along the journey to Jerusalem. He utters the same words, almost verbatim, three times (in Matthew Chapters 16, 17 and 20). Jesus tried to make things as clear as possible for his disciples. It is reminder that even the Lord of life must endure darkness. But the darkness and despair foretold is hard to conceptualise until it arrives. Within seasons of darkness and despair resurrection is unthinkable.
Let us give the final word to Selina Stone, whose book Tarry Awhile exploring Black Spirituality has inspired these reflections:
“This is what it means for us to be people of the resurrection. We inhabit a world that is not yet what it will be, as people who continue to be formed into the likeness of Christ who embodied life and love in their fullness. The scars we bear are not cause for shame, nor must they define us in our entirety. They remind us of the work of God which continues to be needed in the world and in each of us, as we tarry ever more, for the reign of God to be made known among us in justice and peace.”
Watch
Spend some time noticing how these forty days of watching and praying, tarrying and reflecting have helped to deepen your faith.
...and pray
Holy God, grant us the faith to trust you in times of struggle. Give us courage to dwell with you, knowing that you will bring us to new life. Amen.
Copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2024.