Jesus assures the Disciple he loved at the tomb – The one who believed without seeing 

Glory to you, O Christ: by your death you have destroyed death and by your resurrection you have brought life and immortality to light.

Risen Lord, though we are among those have not seen you, let our hearts dance with love in your Easter presence.

Alleluia. Christ is risen  
He is risen indeed. Alleluia

My heart so broken,

My mind confused, 

His love, devotion

On cross abused.

He loved so dearly

So much He cared,

Yet, have they took him;

I fear, I’m scared.

We heard how Mary

Saw the Lord

And ran so quickly

To prove her word.

I view the mystery

Of empty tomb

The clothes that bound him

On stone floor strewn.

I do not see him,

Yet now I know,

He is arisen

My heart’s aglow.

Yet lacking knowledge,

I know not how,

But I believe him.

My love avows.

As we move into the Easter Week, I will continue to share with you 10 further stations of the Resurrection.  I am grateful to my friend, the Reverend Norman Wallwork for the liturgy and I have added further artwork and verse.

Glory to you, O Christ:
by your death you have destroyed death

and by your resurrection you have brought life and immortality to light.

Jesus appears to Mary of Magdala in the garden – The one who loved Jesus most 

Risen Lord, though we are separated from those we love and our hearts are weighed with grief, speak to us by name and let us feel the joy of your presence.

 

Alleluia. Christ is risen He is risen indeed. Alleluia

They’ve taken him, 

I know not where,

His battered body

Laid with care.

I came today

His form to ‘noint

To dress the scars-

Cruel nail points.

“O Gardner, friend

Where has he gone?

Please tell me now

What you have done

With my dear Lord, 

His sacred form,

That lived to bless

Our lives adorn.”

“Mary, my child.”

“Rabboni Lord

How can it be

I saw - you died”

I stretched my hand

To reach his own.

“Not yet my child”

His voice intoned.

“Go to my friends,

My bothers tell

What you have seen

And all is well.

I must Ascend,

My father see;

Go now sweet friend

Go now I plea.”

With heart ablaze,

And tears now dried 

I ran and ran

So overjoyed.

I told them all

Of the blessed scene.

The Lord is risen

My eyes have seen.

 

The image above is my attempt to capture in acrylics the moment of the Resurrection entitled “Resurgum” (I shall rise again!).

Whilst this Easter we are unable to meet at church for communion, we never-the-less though apart are one in the Spirit. The Methodist Church has suggested that we consider a Spiritual Communion outlined below.

May you know the joy of the Risen Lord.

A Spiritual Act of Communion

Prepare a prayerful space. You might find it helpful to place a cross or candle there or to have an icon, image or symbol. You might like to place your open Bible in front of you.

Loving God, I have come to worship you.

Help me to remember that you are here with me. May I pray to you in faith,

praise you with gratitude,

and read your word with eagerness;

in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spend some time in reflection on the day and on people who are on your mind:

• What are you thankful for?

• Where in our lives do we seek (or need) God’s forgiveness?

• What can you leave to God?

Eternal God,

in Christ you make yourself a guest.

Amid all my cares and concerns

make me attentive to your voice

and alert to your presence,

that I may know your love surpasses all else;

Pray for the church, the world and all people in need. 

Let us pray for those who do not share our Easter joy: We pray for those  who live in the shadow of darkness and despair;

for those who live with the hopelessness, of shattered dreams , trust betrayed, opportunities lost, love denied; for those who live without faith or hope or love;  who see no resurrection, no hope of new beginnings for themselves or for the world.

If Christ be truly risen, let us show forth his resurrection, and give thanks, so that all who meet us shall know 

that he is risen indeed!

Say the Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your Name,

your kingdom come, your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power

and the glory are yours,

now and for ever. Amen.

Spend a few moments in quiet reflection on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, before praying:

Jesus my brother, who brought divine Life out of human death, you are meeting me here and now in this place, in this moment. I pause to remember that the one thing I desire above all others is for you to be with me. Though I cannot receive you in bread and wine today, come into my heart and show me you were already there within me, by your love lighting my darkness from within. Open my eyes to your sacred presence in each thing you have created and in every moment you give. As each of your followers does their part where they are, may we all grow together in love and in richer, fuller communion. Make us one with you and with all who love you in every time and place. Help us to feel and to know that we are united as members of your body. With all your people, may I share your risen life, which renews all creation. I offer myself to you in service, as an act of spiritual worship. Amen.

Finish with this prayer

Dear Loving God,

be with me and all your people in these days when we cannot gather in person and help us to hope in that great day when we will all gather at your heavenly banquet;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Blessings

Paul