31.03.2021
‘We are not locked out of communication, understanding and belonging at Easter 2021’ – Message from the Archbishop
Easter Message from Archbishop Michael Jackson
“Easter heralds resurrection and rejoicing. At the time of Easter 2021, such delight in the divine presence after the divine absence is something with which every Christian worldwide is vibrantly in touch. The public and communal celebration of Easter still eludes us because of the need to adhere to Restrictions for the good of others and for the safety of ourselves. This remains a time of restraint by all for the good of all.
“I have no doubt that, for many of us, holding together in the one embrace light and hope is well–nigh impossible at Easter 2021. The instinctive gesture, the unrehearsed reaching out, the equally natural response, the wide smile – none of these is available to us at a time when, in so many ways, we need them most. Lockdown has made us feel that anywhere we go, we should not really be there and anyone we meet, we should not be delaying with them. Every interchange and every interaction fuels anxiety.
“Let us treasure the early morning meeting of Mary Magdalene and Jesus in the garden. It begins with a false start, a misrecognition. But the element that unlocks it is the voice. Mary recognizes the voice of her Master and all of the old instincts of friendship flood back to her. While she may not touch him, she recognizes him and is recognized by him. This is enough to send her flying off to the other disciples with words that could fit into any form of social media: I have seen the Lord!
“Recognition brings understanding. Understanding brings communication. Communication brings belonging. Belonging brings sharing. From none of this are we locked out at Easter 2021.”