An unexpected Easter in COVID-19 times...

I am writing to you from mandatory quarantine; all is well. I am currently healthy. Spending time in isolation has given me the opportunity to reflect and although this Easter has not gone as planned, it is probably one of the more meaningful Easter’s I’ve had. 

Over the past few weeks, the following words have become all too real to people all over the world. Isolation. Chaos. Confusion. Fear. Death. Suffering. Loneliness. Pain. Hurt. Loss. Doubt. Distress. Uncertainty. Despair. We are confronted with the reality of separation, disease and death. Our world feels like it has been turned upside down. Maybe it’s not so crazy that this pandemic happens to coincide with Easter.

The moments leading up to Jesus’ death were full of turmoil. Jesus was distressed and troubled in the garden of Gethsemane. One of his very own, Judas, betrays him. Peter disowns him. Soldiers mock him. Those who pass by the cross hurl insults at him. And at noon, complete darkness fills the land. Jesus cries out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” How many of us have asked where God is in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic? The earth shook. The temple curtain split in two. Unprecedented. A day like no other.

The good news is, resurrection Sunday came. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He is risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:5-6)  Death did not hold Jesus. The darkest moment in history transformed into the greatest love story the world has ever known. Amazing grace. Through His death and resurrection, we are brought out of the darkness and into the light.  He does not promise us an easy life but He promises us a life with Him. In the middle of our current unexpected storm, He is our anchor. He is our light and our strength in these dark times. He is our peace. Hope is not lost. 

Christ is risen! Let’s rejoice today as we celebrate our Lord and Saviour – our hope and our strength! May you have a deeper awareness of His love and peace today.