Reflection from Rev Jules HarrisNo matter how many times I have experienced, Lent, Holy Week and Easter there are always things that make this a time a huge blessing with moments of both greater understanding and surprise. This year was no exception and I’d like to share my thoughts with you this morningOur Lent course was based of the film Chocolat with the title ‘Christ and the Chocolaterie’. In the very first week we were challenged to recall things that we had given up in our Christian life that we had once loved, this morning I ask you to reflect on this question.During Holy Week we used a book by Paula Gooder called ‘The Women of Holy Week’. Reflections from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday of women who journeyed with our Lord as he moved closer to the Cross. You too can experience these reflections that are published on the Church of England Website. So, my second question to you this morning is which women do you relate to?https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/what-we-believe/lent-holy-week-and-easter/women-holy-week And finally, after a glorious Sonrise service we celebrated with such joy at our Morning services. I had the privilege of serving at St Mary’s Appledore. Whilst thinking about my sermon I came across a statement which suggested that Mark’s Gospel is seldom used because of its short ending. Here is the passage: -Mark 16.1-8Jesus Has Risen When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.[a] (NIV)The above words that I’ve read so many times really made me think of the sheer enormity of that event which took place on Easter Sunday. Jesus defying all logic came back from the dead. Is it then any wonder that these women where terrified ! Have you ever really thought about this awesome event or are we carried away in the exciting celebrations. Quite rightly so! But today can I ask you to stop at some point this week and take 10minutes out of your busy day. To reflection on the events that changed the world forever.AMENGod of glory, by the raising of your Son you have broken the chains of death and hell: fill your Church with faith and hope; for a new day has dawned and the way to life stands open in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Common Worship: Collects and Post Communions, material from which is included here, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000
Monday evenings 6:15pm-8:00pm at Holy Trinity Hall Westward Ho! Supper served with tea & coffee Starting 3rd March! For more information call Rev Jules on 07857 946576
