There is palpable relief across much of the western areas of our state as we head into Easter. The hot dry spell has eased, and many are thankful for good rain, which signals hope for the season ahead. Pressure has eased for the moment.
In the next breath, we are conscious of those who are confronted by the calamity in western Queensland – stock death and damage are considerable, and the extent will not be properly revealed for some time. Stories of this nature are not unknown to our communities, and we will offer what we can to those north of us.
This is the challenge of living where we are, and addressing the realities before us. We all know this, and look for signs of encouragement and hope where we can.
As I walk into shops in my community and see cheese and vegemite hot cross buns, and fluffy bunnies (occasionally stuffed with chocolate), I don’t understand how these ideas of Easter make any sense, or address the world in which we live. Are they meant to distract us from the world around? Are they simply meant to be enjoyable? (I am not confident that those particular hot cross buns would even be edible!)
Easter is not only about celebration and wonder. At the crux of the Easter message to which I respond most completely is the affirmation that God is with us, always.
This is not a message to entertain or distract us, but addresses the essential moments of our lives, and the lives in the world around us.
At the beginning of Easter week, the story of Jesus leads us towards the cross, towards Jesus’ death. Good Friday is the punctuation of this journey, as the Roman Empire, corrupt politicians, broken religious leadership and an easily swayed crowd decide that executing Jesus will help them. This is a story which we can see in the world right now – how when things break down, corruption seeps in and people suffer.
Jesus’ death is the assertion that God is with us in the broken moments, when injustice happens, when the world goes entirely pear-shaped. When we suffer, as individuals, or families, or communities, we are not alone in our suffering; Jesus has experienced brokenness and injustice. And death.
On the cross, God is most completely with us.
On Saturday, after Jesus has died, we wait; all creation holds its breath. We hope that this is not the end of the story. Waiting is not uncommon for us; we wait for our lives to recover from disaster, for the news after an operation, for a relationship to be restored after a fracture.
And then, Easter! When the impossible happens, and life breaks out. Jesus’ return to life is the new assertion of God, that death is not the strongest word, that love and life are stronger than punishment and injustice, that suffering will have an end.
As we mark this Easter journey and eat our (traditional) hot cross buns, may I encourage you to consider the hope of God who is with us, always; in the good seasons, and the ones we would never choose.
The God we know in Jesus is about love, hope and forgiveness, and being with us in every step, leading us to life.
Enjoy your Easter!
Rev. Simon Hansford
Armidale Uniting Church