Dear Parishioners
This year’s celebration of Easter was different than usual. No one could imagine what we are experiencing now. When Lent season started, we didn’t think that our churches, places of worship would be closed, that no one can pray, that no liturgy can be celebrated. For many of us this situation is difficult, sad and we are heartbroken.
Before Easter we had time of Lent as a season of our preparation for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. On Ash Wednesday we heard a call to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The same invitation was in all previous years. But this time was different. Our life slowed down. We had more time to think about life and its value, about relations between people in the family and in the world. And what is also important – to think about personal relationship with God.
We are forced to stay at home for our safety and the safety of others. Only key workers and those, who really have to, can go out. We need to keep a social distance. We need to be responsible. All those circumstances put us in a new situation that beside me is someone else, who needs my help.
In this difficult time, we pray not only for private intention, but also and especially for those who are affected by coronavirus. For those who are sick, NHS, carers, members of the public service, volunteers. Fasting calls us to think what we are buying, especially food. We can’t buy more than we really need. There are other people who need more. Almsgiving is not only giving money – it’s also giving your time, hand, skills to help those in need.
We feel fear about our future, what will happen with us, with our families and friends. We want the coronavirus pandemic to end here and now. In this situation Jesus is saying to us – Do not be afraid! Believe! I conquered the world! When he died on the Cross and his body was placed in the tomb lots of people and even Jesus’s disciples lost their hope. They were thinking that everything had finished, that this was the end. But it wasn’t. There was a Resurrection Day – Jesus rose from the dead. He meets His disciples saying that this is He who was dead and now is alive! Jesus’ resurrection is a sign of hope for new life. After his resurrection nothing came back as it was. In Jesus name God’s kingdom was proclaimed. In Jesus name people were baptised, delivered from evil, healed from different diseases.
Coronavirus will be defeated. We can’t give up. Then there will be a new better world. But we need to pray for each other, care for each other and help each other. Do not be afraid – Jesus conquered the world. He is risen and He is with us.
Happy Easter