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Hillside Parish Magazine

April 2010

Easter Message from the Archbishop of York

Easter is a wonderful time of year. It may not get the same attention from the media and wider society that Christmas does, but it is no less special.

If the story of Christmas is one of birth, then the one of Easter is one of resurrection. A time of reflection and a time for remembering the death of Jesus; but also a time of new life in God and renewal.

A time to remember that our God lives, and that through His Son's death on the cross we may live. Yes, Easter is a time for celebration! Hallelujah! For God in Christ has done for us that which we could not do for ourselves, overcoming our shame, pollution, transience and death.

On the afternoon of Holy Saturday, I will again have the privilege and honour of baptising local people who have made a commitment to follow Jesus in their lives. What better way to make a public declaration of faith than to do it in an open air tank on the steps of the Minster in front of your friends and family? (This year, we may even make sure the water is warm for them!)

The act of baptism is a wonderful symbol. The message for all to see that there is a death to the old life, and a fresh start with our sins being washed away. But that fresh start is not given to us by water in a tank, it is given to us by the sacrifice of Jesus through His crucifixion, and Easter Sunday will be the opportunity for us to celebrate that He has conquered death. Yes! He has been to Hell and back!

And why did He die? Because God loves us. Each and every one.

I have been really humbled by the experience we had on Ash Wednesday, when I went out into the City Centre of York with ministers and volunteers from the Diocese to meet and pray for local people. The "Say One For Me" campaign is a good example of how we can show love in action to those around us. Asking about what is going on in people's lives and what they would like prayer about - and just being there for them, showing care and love.

As Easter approaches, let us reflect on the love that God has shown us through the death of His Son and pray that the news of his resurrection will help to free those who are currently trying to cope on their own with seemingly impossible situations.