‘I am the resurrection and the life,’ Jesus says to Martha, and he’s talking about both now and about life after death (The Gospel of John 11:25).
We have to entrust the promise of life after death into God’s hands, as we do other aspects of life that are beyond our understanding. Despite all the challenges, if we have an experience of ‘Someone looking out for us’ in this life, why should that be ended by earthly death? But what about our lives in the here and now? What does resurrection and ‘life’ mean now?
A couple from Zimbabwe who were in the UK for a couple of years visited an MHA care-home with me, for a Sunday afternoon worship service. They were astonished at the quality of facilities for older people saying, ‘the Church has nothing like this in Zimbabwe, just orphanages.’
Many of us face major challenges, related to health, debt, or achieving some kind of happiness or contentment. Collectively we are also facing major challenges as Christian communities. It can be too easy for us to take things for granted – that they will always stay the same.
The more comfortable that our lives have become materially, the more we are tempted to expect things, rather than give thanks for them and be ready to share them. For surely that is the kind of ‘life’ that Jesus is referring to: one lived with thankfulness and generosity, whatever challenges we are facing. God provides opportunities to offer thankfulness and generosity every day if we keep alert to those around us and to the signs of God’ Spirit at work in our lives.
We continue in the confidence that we are allying ourselves with resurrection and life.
Blessings this Easter, Revd Fran
Toll Gavel United Church where faith, people and justice matter 