Vicar's Letter

Suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ Matthew 28.2–7 

New life! A New Song! Alleluia!

My Dear Flock, 

I write this on as the Church celebrates the great Feast of the Annunciation – remembering how God sent his messenger Gabriel to the young Mary and asked her to bear God’s son Jesus, and in her glory, she responded YES, LET IT BE, and so nothing was ever the same again. (Which also means it’s 9 months to Christmass). 

And it’s also the day we have a new Archbishop. Sarah Mullally, our previous Bishop of London, makes history as both the 106th and first female Archbishop of Canterbury – we pray for Sarah, our new leader, and for the life of our Church in this next stage of Christ’s ministry.

 *** 

I am often irritated by the self-service machines in Sainsburys and Waitrose when they start flashing red, and the attendants come over, as I dread to see if they are about to rescan my whole shop, to my great annoyance. However, the other day when it happened my frustration soon became joy when the attendant wanted to check my Identification, I was most impressed and rather ecstatic that people still think I look in my early 20’s! 

I can’t say I feel that young and certainly by Easter morning I know I shall feel drained and ready to collapse after the rigours of Holy Week. 

However, New life will have dawned upon us, 

Creation will speak of the ageless One in time’s embrace, 

A second Adam walks the earth and reigns, 

And once again we shall see God’s plan unveiled, 

He will renew the earth and sky, 

His blameless life breaks the curse, 

His death sets us free, 

So that we can live with Him eternally. 

I look forward to sharing Holy Week with you: waving palms with you, washing your feet, praying with you in Gethsemane, gazing at the cross, weeping amongst you, and when New Life arrives, shouting “Alleluia!”

In a few days’ time I will shout “Alleluia, Christ is Risen” and really it is a question? – A question of truth and a question for you to decide, for you to be like the Centurion, to be like Mary of Magdala, to be like the penitent thief, to be like the disciple, that God has called you to be. 

My dear brothers and sisters, I pray that your loud, lively and passionate answer will be “HE is risen indeed, Alleluia!” As together we shall sing a new song, a song of glory, a song of life, a song of Resurrection power, a song of truth, for that great day, that the LORD has made, is in our midst. I pray you know the blessings of the Risen Christ, and receive joy and peace this Easter. Don’t forget Easter is a season of 40 days (50 to Pentecost!) There really will be many Mini-Eggs consumed over the season, at the Vicarage! (Well, I hope?!...) 

And as heaven sings, May your reply of “Alleluia!” forever, be your song…

Blessings, In Christ,

Your Shepherd

Fr Tommy