Vicar's Bit For April
Life in himself…
There are pithy sayings, also stories that make the point, and then lesser spotted texts. I give you all three types of life affirming bible passages. Ponder them this Eastertide.
“I am the resurrection and the life” John 11.25, often used at funerals. Or “In him was life, and that life was the light of all people” John 1.4, from a passage read at Christmas.
“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw the stone had been removed from the tomb…” John 20.1, an Easter Day Gospel.
What about this lesser spotted text?
“Just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself” John 5.26. I like that. Very Easter. Within Jesus, as part of his very being and nature, is Easter; the principle of resurrection and the principle of life. The Father has granted the Son to have life in himself. Thus to be the agent of life in others.
This is backed up by what Jesus says a verse earlier.
“Anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life” John 5.24.
So Jesus’ Easter message, his Easter word, is not simply that he rose from the dead – a wow! – but the Son of God has authority to raise us from death to life. Yes, life for us, even before death.
In today’s dark world this is Good News. We are living through an era when authoritarian rulers wreak havoc and death upon our world and on our near neighbours. Jesus offers us the opposite. Where his love touches, people find fullness of life. Jesus’ peace is not the bogus peace proffered by bullies, it is a deep peace founded on truth and life. For Jesus’ touch is healing, his burden light, his life eternal.
At 2.30pm on 2nd, 8th and 16th April at Lawn Farm our Lent home group continue exploring the bible passages where Jesus says ‘I am’ - such as “I am the resurrection and the life”. If you crave something truly life affirming, please join us.
Have a Happy Easter.
You will find our Benefice wide Holy Week and Easter services are listed on www.westofsevernchurches.com.
A prayer.
Jesus, our Lord, we praise you
that nothing could keep you dead in the grave.
You are stronger than darkness and death.
Help us to remember
that there is nothing to be afraid of,
because you are alive and
by our side…
we live. Amen.
Baptism in April
11am on 13th April (Palm Sunday) at Hartpury Church, the baptism of James Whiston, his parents are Georgina and Bradley. We offer our prayers and congratulations.