Our Lenten observance since Ash Wednesday was as preparation for a celebration. Lent reminded us of the time of ‘wandering through the wilderness,’ but also the ‘wanderings’ of our daily lives. As Lent was a time for soul searching and inner reflection, our recollection of the Palm Sunday events reminds us that Jesus is the King of Love, whose death brought life through the mighty resurrection. Easter is therefore a celebration of life over death, victory over defeat, light over darkness and joy over sadness.
Easter also deepens this love story of God who is always present with God’s people, navigating pathways for this sense of togetherness. Easter signifies new life and new beginnings and the blessed assurance that change, and transformation, newness and renewal will come, and that life is a celebration for the hope of that which is to come.
As the Anglican Church of Australia will focus on the HOPE-25 national Church program initiatives from Easter to Pentecost, to bring hope to others in an uncertain world, may we also find that hope in Jesus.
A blessed and holy Easter to you all.
The Right Reverend Clarence E Bester, Eleventh Bishop of Wangaratta
