Bishop's Easter Letter

As I write this letter in early March we are anxiously watching the reports on our television newscasts as the political situation in the Ukraine threatens to pull the fabric of Ukrainian society apart at the very seams.  The population is dangerously divided between pro-Russia and pro-European sympathies and political decisions made by the President in the past several months have now led to his expulsion and a parliament that is trying to restore order between these two factions. 

It is now clear that Russia has entered the equation by involving itself in the Ukrainian province of Crimea and the fear, anger and violence have risen to alarming levels, and rioting and protesting have broken out in a number of centres across the country.  The whole world watches, with great trepidation, as this situation continues and has implications for relationships well beyond that part of the world. It is not clear how events will unfold and it is very difficult to know what we can do as citizens or even as nations to promote peace in such circumstances.   What we do know is that our faith calls us to live in such present moments in new ways.  Let me share an example of what I mean.  One day last week I was listening to the popular CBC radio program, “The Current” and on that day, Anna Maria Tremonti, the host, was interviewing a photojournalist by the name of Larry Towell who had just returned with some remarkable pictures from the Ukraine. In one of these pictures (that are posted on the program's website) you see a woman who is in the midst of the protesting and rioting. She has moved beyond the safety of the crowd, however, and has grabbed hold of the shield of one of the government riot police!

In the radio interview the photographer told the incredible story behind this picture and it turns out that she is doing more than just touching the shield.    With her hand extended, the woman offers a prayer and what is even more incredible is that she went down the entire line of police, touching each shield and saying a prayer over every one of them.  He said that it was a profound, powerful moment as this woman stepped forward and offered this inspiring display of courage and such a dramatic demonstration of her faith.

On Easter Sunday we will be challenged to respond to Mary’s amazing and wonderful news; news that she had seen the Lord! This incredible proclamation of joy and hope, and the reality of Jesus' resurrection, had a dramatic effect upon a gathering of grief-stricken and frightened disciples. In time it would transform them into a band of followers whose faith in the living God would give them the courage to live out the meaning of true discipleship in the face of any obstacle. They too had been raised up above the fear and brutality of the struggle for power and the sad divisions that continue to be part of our troubled world today.

On Easter Sunday, and on every Sunday, we respond by gathering around an altar; and as we do this, we are also are invited to experience the transforming power of God’s love. We are invited to respond in faith to the presence of the risen Christ in our own lives and at the altar rail we are met and embraced by our God who walks with us every step of the way.

My Easter prayer this year is that all of us, in the Diocese of Niagara, may find new hope and much courage as we follow Christ passionately and that we may respond with open and joyful hearts to the news that Mary brings to us this day: Jesus Christ is risen today! Alleluia!

Susan and I wish you every blessing for the Easter season,

 

Bishop Michael