Holy Saturday

The day of waiting, and thinking about the shock of sudden bereavement, such a common feature of life in this troubled age. Thinking of the families of plane crash victims. Thinking of massacres by the forces of Al Shebab, Boko Harram, Al Queda, ISIS or whoever else is convinced that redemption is possible by means of violence. The whole world knows there is a better way, based on justice peace harmony, co-operation and sound reason, though not without debate, argument, even dispute to get to the necessary truth that gives fullness of life to all who receive it. But for whatever reason there are still those who refuse to accept this, and strive to force themselves and their ways on others. 

Will this ever change? Let's hope so, and keep striving in hope, patiently, sometimes in dark days for humankind, to see an end to all violent ways that lead to untimely death and destruction, and so often for innocent victims. After the crucifixion of Jesus, Christians dare say "God knows, God is dealing with this in God's unique way" The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ proclaims that 'death is swallowed up in victory' - victory of goodness and truth over evil and falsehood, of new life over mortality, of the eternal Spirit over the transient illusions of this material world. The consolation of these thoughts today, prepares us for the celebration of tomorrow, starting as it does when this day passes into the darkness of night.

No sabbath comfort or idleness for us however, not even a late breakfast. Two necessary food shopping expeditions, and kitchen cleaning were necessary, but to start with, writing the last post of the Lenten Blog which has been my self-imposed discipline over the past forty six days, Sundays included, to keep me awake mentally, and alive to the mysteries of God's grace at work in our world. 

It's been an unusual experience, relying each day on noticing something different, connecting to a symbol, image or word from which to draw insight and learn something new, never knowing in advance what may present itself for consideration.  I've delved into scripture using search engines in a way I never would normally, often just to take a slender thread of memory detached from context, and weave it back into place as part of a biblical theme explored. This has been most enjoyable on times, although knowing what to omit and what to include has always been a challenge.

Very early on, with some difficult days to get through, days of uncertainty and frustration, I came to the task quite late in the day, bordering on regret and resentment at having started something I was unsure I could finish. By the end of searching the scriptures, writing and reflecting, I found that I felt cheered, not so much by the achievement, but by the pleasure of re-connecting with the Word in the simplest of ways. It reminded me of what St Ignatius had to say about the good cheer he found in his reading of hagiographies and the Gospels, after having been bored out of his mind and made even more depressed by his regular literary diet of sex and violence. Ignatius spoke of this good cheer as symptomatic the work of the Spirit that draws us into relationship with God. Knowing the difference this makes is key to the discernment which his form of spirituality seeks to cultivate. I think I can say much better now from personal experience, that I know what he meant.