Vicar's Letter - 27th March 2024

Blessed Holy Week, All Saints! 

What a journey we have ahead of us these next few days. As Lent comes to an end, we journey with Jesus through his final days prior to his miraculous resurrection.

I didn't used to be very interested in the Christian calendar (apart from Shrove Tuesday, who doesn't like pancakes). Why bother with all these liturgical colours and seasons when we all live post Jesus' resurrection and the provision of the Holy Spirit anyway? But what I've discovered over time is that we miss so much by jumping to the joy of Easter Sunday too soon.

- Palm Sunday reminds us of Jesus' humility as he rides like a king but on a donkey, and also of how fickle we are as humans, changing our minds with the changing of the times. One week we're serving Jesus, the next we're serving ourselves and/or the crowds.
- Maundy Thursday reminds us that Jesus is our passover lamb, the ultimate sacrifice. We are reminded again of his humility as he washes his disciples' feet and of his humanity as he sweats blood in the garden with his closest friends, submitting himself fully to drink from the cup of suffering.
- Good Friday speaks for itself. Our King and Brother on the cross. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."
- Holy Saturday is a reminder that so many of us are in this time of waiting, not knowing, hope seems far off, God's will is not clear. Why me, God? Why this?
- And THEN, we come to Easter Sunday. The glorious risen Saviour, death has been defeated, God has been faithful, and we will rise again with Jesus someday. Heaven has broken through, the Kingdom of God is here!!!

So this week/weekend, I really encourage you to take your time through each day. Attend a service or make time to reflect, even if just on a commute or in the shower. Allow God the space to show you his character which is revealed to us through Jesus this week.

May you be blessed deeply.
Ngā mihi nui,
Emily