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An Easter Message from the Bishop of Connor

Saturday March 28th 2015

The Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, Bishop of Connor.

An Easter Message from the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy

It is difficult to watch or read news without being aware of the suffering and pain of so many throughout the world. Modern communication makes it all so immediate but also so difficult to assimilate as we lurch from one tragedy or situation of loss to another. Sean O’Casey wrote the poignant words: “The world is in a terrible state of chassis.”

It is impossible to make sense of the chaos and pain but somehow in the darkness the hope of Easter rises again to remind us that somehow mysteriously and wonderfully the light is still shining.

Amidst the awfulness we remember the joy and confusion of resurrection. The first disciples were confused and angry at the death of Jesus but slowly they began to see and believe the risen Lord.

The resurrection event doesn’t take away the pain but is reminds us that God is offering hope in the distress and joy in the sadness. We can only experience resurrection when we have tasted of the despair of Good Friday. This is not a solution but a promise of God’s presence and love that knows no bounds.

The Easter narrative has at its heartbeat the paradox of death and resurrection. God’s love comes to us in the horror of crucifixion and then seeks to help us dance again in the new beginnings and hope of an empty tomb.

May we all know the reality of God’s enduring love this Easter and as we journey into the future.

Grace and peace to you all,

+Alan Connor

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