I don’t want pain – give me happiness!

On Easter Sunday we celebrate the completion of the cycle: the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are echoes of that cycle today. The longer we live, the more likely we are to discover that life comes through the cross. We cannot avoid pain and struggle. These last two years have emphasised that point. Then, as always, there have been opportunities for significant personal growth, new outlook or new capacity, through that pain.

Part of the fullness of life toward which we are all called at Easter (John 10:10) is to see others as God sees them – beloved children, our sisters and brothers. Our community – our family or otherwise – where we feel we belong.

What our faith teaches us is that we are saved in community, by community: ‘may the body of Christ bring us to everlasting life’. What does this look like? Whether it is those enduring a type of crucifixion due to illness, addiction, abuse or mental health issues, their resurrection comes through the prayer and concerted action of a community. Such a community works with and for all – since all are sisters and brothers. Such a community asks: what’s in it for we? The more whole and happy each member of the community is, the better it is for the community. Such is the work of the Holy Spirit which guides us into the truth (John 16:13) – about ourselves, our world and God – and calls us forward into the light, together.