An Easter like no other

the Road to Emmaus
linocut Easter card by Teresa Newham

When he was at table with them, he took the bread, and blessed, and broke it,
and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him;
and he vanished out of their sight.  

Luke 24:30-31

This truly has turned out to be an Easter like no other: our priest live streaming the services; familiar voices from the parish reading direct from their own homes; prayers for everyone affected by the pandemic in so many different ways; spiritual Communion.

The online Easter Triduum, reduced to its bare bones, has been powerful and profound, and we are grateful to those who have worked so hard to broadcast it, including the opportunity to watch one hour with Our Lord on Holy Thursday and to meditate at the foot of the cross on Good Friday.

The story of the Road to Emmaus tells of two followers of Jesus who fall in with a stranger on their sorrowful journey home after the Crucifixion.  The stranger discusses Scripture with them and, at their evening meal, they recognise him as Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

Although we cannot receive communion physically, we too have recognised Our Lord in the breaking of the bread this Easter. And we can recognise him too in every person working to save lives and support the vulnerable during this pandemic - and in normal times.  With everything that is happening in the world, and at a time of our own private grief, we give thanks for that.

In loving memory of Nigel Newham

1954 - 2020

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord

And let perpetual light shine upon him

May he rest in peace

Amen