From the Rectory 14 June 20 – Peace

‘Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’  (Rom 5:1)

It’s raining.  Through the study window I see a leaden sky and every surface dripping wet.  The few people about today are wrapped up tight.  It is not long since the sun called forth shorts and T-shirts, now the winter woollies are back.  We had planned to go walking but not now.  Singing in the rain may have been fun for Gene Kelly, I prefer walking in the dry.

How quickly the weather changes, and with it our mood.  The rain falls and dusk will come early tonight.  The weather catches our mood.  The Easter season is officially over.  On bright sunny days we celebrated resurrection, ascension and Pentecost.    Now it feels as if we are still between Good Friday and Easter.  The pandemic lingers and we are told its impact will be with us for years to come.  It is like Good Friday all over again; our dreams are in the balance, our hopes uncertain.

For all its pain and anguish, Good Friday was a moment of hope – that’s why we call it Good.  Through his death Christ conquered death.  The pain and anguish of Good Friday fed and continue to feed the joy of the new life revealed at Easter.  It was through the faith of an Easter encounter that Paul, who had tried so hard to be right with God, could now say ‘justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’

Although it dampens my walking plans, the rain is good news. After a long dry month, water-butts are filling once more, the parched ground softening, wilting plants stand upright and a thick coat of dust is washed away.  Water is an essential ingredient of life; to refresh us, revive us, sustain us and cleanse us.  Without water we wither and die.  Without rain our green and pleasant land will be neither.

I look up from my desk once more and now through my window I see not dismal grey but new life, new hope.  The sun will shine once more and then new life will be revealed.  Meanwhile in faith find peace in God through his son, risen at Easter to new lif.