THE WEEK from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday is one which Christians mark in real time as they follow Jesus from his entry into Jerusalem, the place of his confrontation with the Romans and the Temple authorities, the place of his death and ultimate resurrection.
Through the power of Zoom, Holy Trinity has been able to come together to mark each of the days.
Maundy Thursday felt strange with no re-enacting of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet or night watch in Gethsemane. Good Friday felt bleak and unreal as ever, more so as the hour at the foot of the cross was marked in our homes and not in the desolation of the stripped down church. Holy Saturday was blessedly normal as the church cleaners and decorators went to work making the church beautiful for the joy of Easter Sunday.
But first, a bonfire. The lighting of the New Fire of Easter outside in the grounds has long been a tradition in Holy Trinity. This year, as we stood socially distanced round the bonfire waiting for the moment the Paschal Candle was lit for the first time, the birds sang their hearts out. An owl hooted, robins and blackbirds and a possible song thrush were under no singing embargo and gave it their joyous best.
Easter Sunday was fully booked, and the lucky ones who were able to attend entered into the joy of Easter morning with spirited Alleluias. Rector David Railton led us as we renewed our baptismal vows and the words of his thoughtful sermon and carefully prepared service made up for not being able to sing ‘Christ the Lord is Risen Again’.
There was, as always, an online Zoom Service of The Word for those in the community unable at attend church.
Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
Printed 9 April 2021
