South Shawlands Church of Scotland

 

 

The meditation above illustrates this beautifully. No-one is quite sure who wrote it, but it is about how we think we seek for one thing, but are often given something different. The gifts that we seek, are often not the best ones for us, for God alone knows what is going to help us to develop and grow in our faith.

 

This was true for the disciples that first Easter, when Jesus’ friends thought that he had died and that they would never see him again. They were heartbroken and sorrowful, disappointed and bewildered. They were grieving and uncertain. Yet at the tomb, in the locked room, at the shore of the lake - the Risen Lord came to them again and again, bringing faith and hope and love. These were wonderful encounters of healing and hope with so many of his disciples and friends. A special gift beyond what they could have imagined, that their Saviour was alive, and would be forever more!

 

The ongoing meaning of resurrection is not just for a season, but for all time. It reminds us that after despair there can come hope, and that endings can lead to  new beginnings. The promise of a life with Christ beyond the grave also is deeply meaningful, both for us and those who have gone before us. In recent months we have lost a number of our saints – Mary Murchison, Violet Roulet and Helen Simpson and Margaret Ramsay, and so as a community we are saddened by these losses, and extend our sympathies to all who are bereaved. We also have the assurance of everlasting life for all who believe, and so we also give thanks that their suffering is over, and that they are safely with God. Perhaps in the midst of all these mixed emotions, what stands out is the importance of our faith in Jesus Christ. For it is his  strength which sustains us day by day, and His joy which brings us life, His love which brings us purpose.

 

May we know the presence of the Risen Jesus Christ in all we do,

 

 

 

Fiona Gardner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     With every blessing