At Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. We celebrate that suffering and even death do not have the last word. In our current circumstances of the pandemic of COVID-19, could there be news that is better than this, news that is more timely, more appropriate?

During this time, it is easy to feel upset, off-kilter, uncertain – but at Easter we need to remember Jesus’ words “I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly”. So we each need to ask ourselves, what gives me life?

• What people give me life?
• What situations give me life?
• What activities give me life?

Whoever and whatever they are, be with those people in whatever way you can, engage in those activities however you can. Be assured that the Holy Spirit will continue to be with us and guide us into the truth (John 16:13) – about ourselves and about life. Part of that truth at this time is our shared humanity and to do all we can to support each other.

Jesus spoke truth to power

calling out greed

and power-grabbing

especially those done in God’s name.

So his pain and suffering

were brought about by injustice

but borne with love:

love of God

love of humanity

love of integrity.

Do I help those around me

to carry their difficulties?

Do I bear my difficulties

with love?

Jesus is present

God is present – with us.

Part of the reason

for the eucharist

is to remember

the presence of Jesus – with us

whenever we gather.

We give thanks for God’s many blessings

especially at this time

when it is easy to focus

on what we don’t have,

rather than the joy and mystery

of the love that binds us.

The glimpses of God’s wonder

in the sunny day,

the bird’s song,

the baby’s cry

and the intricate, yet ephemeral, beauty

of the spider’s web.

Because we forget,

we must remember.

God – with us, always.

Physically separated from my faith community, I’ve been pondering a symbolic action. This came out:   

May we call to mind

the blessings we have received

from this branch:

source of oxygen

food and home for other links

in God’s startling web of creation.

The water we sprinkle

life-giving to all it touches.

Water and branch combined

are symbols of the majesty

of which we are a humble part.

Water and branch remind us

in all their subtle complexity

that we are in God’s reign.

This extraordinary time reminded me of the following quote from ‘The Plague’ by Albert Camus

“and to state quite simply what we learn in a time of pestilence: that there are more things to admire in men than to despise.

None the less, he knew the tale he had to tell could not be one of a final victory. It could only be the record of what had had to be done, and what assuredly would have to be done again in the never-ending fight against terror and its relentless onslaughts, despite their personal afflictions, by all who, while unable to be saints but refusing to bow down to pestilences, strive their utmost to be healers”

Brilliant blue sky

deep pink flowers

on the crepe myrtle.

The beauty of God’s creation

including the gift that is

each person

reminds me

in this time of anxiety

of all that is present

around me

inviting me

to participate in life

rather than

waiting for the other shoe to drop

Another sunrise

makes orange-gold

shafts of light

shoot up and down

through the clouds.

This ordinary but evocative scene

has touched me

and reminds me of hope

and joy

just when I needed it,

lest I slumber through

more of this gift

of the present.

Time to stop

and contemplate

God at work

in my life

buoying and carrying me

providing me

with the gifts

of wife, family

loved ones

the beauty of creation

the scriptures

my ministry to young people

and the prayerful example

of Francis and Clare.

The view over the Spoleto

will always be with me

as I try to carry

the gifts of Assisi

into my life.

When I speak

of God’s hand in my life

this faith statement

cannot convince others.

Yet I must speak my truth.

Life’s joys swell

when they are shared.

Life’s challenges

can be overcome

through determination,

community and faith.

In hindsight

I discern God’s hand

in events

or working through others,

guiding and comforting me.

Through it all

there is still, small centre

that reminds me

of faith

and hope

and love.