This is an Easter message from Rockhampton Bishop Michael McCarthy.
FROM the beginning of the liturgy on Holy Saturday night when all the natural light has faded, the prayers reminds us, “May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our souls and minds.”
And when the new Easter Candle is held high and the clear statement is made for all to hear, “The Light of Christ.”
The Easter liturgies invite us all to experience the life of God entwined with our own lives.
This year, we carry a sadness in our hearts as we remember our church and our people who are in pain.
The liturgy of Good Friday poignantly invites us with Mary to the foot of the cross where we sit with her as she watched her own son die.
It is with Mary; we all sit at the foot of the cross and feel the pain of all who have been abused and injured and isolated.
But the strong words of the liturgy shouts to us and reminds us that it is Christ who overcame death, who rises in glory and it is only through Him that we too find healing for our pain and our loss.
We can invite him to include all within our Church and our people so all may find the light of Christ.
In the yards of our churches around the fire, may the new Easter light of Christ’s glory dispel the darkness of our souls and minds.
As we hear the words, “Christ our light”, let us be sure in our hope that the Risen Christ walks with us through the year, bringing all of us healing; enabling us to reach out and include everyone within the circle of God’s love, and find in us in our church, a welcoming and safe home.
