Easter Post from Rev T

As it is Easter week, Rev T has written a guest post for me.  It's not like he's busy or anything.

"What stories do you keep returning to? What is it about that story you continue to want to revisit? What’s the appeal? Perhaps the narrative offers an escape or adventure beyond the ordinariness of everyday life? Maybe it’s something else?

It’s no secret I am a Star Wars nerd.  I have watched the original (naturally) films many times. But  to assume this would be my automatic film choice for a re-watch is incorrect.  The film I return to time and time again is ‘Where Eagles Dare’.  A WWII adventure with twists and turns throughout.  I love that what seem to be innocuous moments become integral to the plot as everything unfolds towards the end.  The screen version of Alistair MacLean’s novel. 

Two thousand years ago, Israel's major festival was  Passover. Families would gather to re-tell the story of their ancestor’s incredible escape from slavery in Egypt. The drama of how the most powerful empire in the world. led by Pharaoh, tried to defy the God of the Israelites. Two deities (Pharaoh’s were considered to be gods) facing off to claim ‘bragging rights’. In the end it was no competition.  Pharaoh escaped by the skin of his teeth. 

In the Jewish faith, families still remember this period in their long history by feasting and celebrating. The story retold to remind everyone of hardships and danger their ancestors faced. Jesus’ disciples thought they were going to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover on the weekend we now know as Easter. A room was prepared and the food all ready.

That night, a new drama unfolded.  For Jesus and the disciples it seems as if the darkness continues to press in and overwhelm. Events spiralled out of control.  At first glance, violence and hatred seemed victorious as Jesus was executed in the most brutal way ever devised by humanity.

The Easter story takes on another narrative, light pierces through the dense darkness, hope breaks through the despair and love and forgiveness turn the tide of hatred and violence back. It is this narrative my family hold onto and use to try and frame our lives.  Even when much of the world we live in seems determined to follow a worrying path. 

I am unsure whether anyone who reads this post is familiar with the Easter story. Perhaps you heard it years ago but for whatever reason it has faded into the background of your memory. There’s no sermon from me - please don’t tell the Tubblet - but simply an invite for you to look again. If you want to know more about this story or simply want to ask a question then please ask in the comments".

I'll get Rev T to reply once Easter Week is over.  Thank you for reading and Happy Easter.  Enjoy the well earned break.