Next week is Holy Week, the central point of the Christian year. The reasons for the crucifixion can be lost when the true nature of the resurrection is not properly understood. The classic Christian answer to the question of death and beyond is not so much disbelieved as simply not known (Wright 2007). In essence, Jesus' resurrection appearances were as a renewed body (not as a resuscitated corpse) and this transformation is repeated for all believers at the second coming (1 Thess 4:14). Jesus did not die so that the disembodied souls of the faithful could leave their physical selves behind and float up to heaven as a reward for faithful living. The Lord's Prayer talks about heaven coming down to earth not about souls flying up to heaven. Jesus did not die to make us feel better about ourselves and to put us in touch with our feelings - a private spirituality does not need a crucifixion. Jesus died because it takes a crucifixion, followed by a physically resurrected and transformed life to provide us with the ultimate paradigm of hope and framework for engagement with the world. Take heart! He has overcome all the worst that life could throw at him and so, by definition, can we.

Weekly reflections on the Gospel for the coming Sunday are available on request. They will come once a week and will never be more than 200 words. If you would like to receive these emails then please email the Parish Secretary