Happy EasterDear All Saints and St MarysThere will be imperfection in heaven – thank goodness. Otherwise, I won’t stand much of a chance. However, not everyone would agree with that. One traditional perspective is that we first need to spend some time in purgatory. That is where we will be straightened out, our sins purged away, our mistakes removed, and everything will be put right. Then, and only then, will we be fit for heaven, to spend eternity in the glory of God’s presence. I see it differently.Our mistakes and brokenness are not eradicated; rather they are incorporated into God’s plans. God’s holiness will not be diminished by being in the presence of us, fallen humanity. After all, the body of the risen Jesus still bears the marks of crucifixion. The cross, with all its horrors and woundedness, does not scare God away; rather, this is drawn into God’s persistent, faithful, compassionate care and healing of the world. Thomas – doubting Thomas, puzzled Thomas – needed both to see the marks of the cross and also to meet with the risen Lord. Only then did it start to make sense. Jesus is the wounded healer. Jesus descended into the grave so that the fear and sting of death would no longer be a barrier between us and God.Francis Spufford has just published his latest novel, Nonesuch. It’s on my pile of books to read during the Easter holidays. A recent review by Andrew Brown says this: “Right at the end, Iris, who has been so joyful, brave, and ultimately successful, is offered the chance to undo a terrible mistake she had made years before the story opens. She takes the chance, and wakes in another timeline, where — it seems — she never will meet her husband. I found myself longing for her not to undo the past. Put in theological terms, Spufford shows us that a world without sin is also one without the possibility of redemption, that the first Adam is needed if the second Adam is to come.” This does not give us licence to sin. Rather, it gives us confidence that, because of the power of the resurrection, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.Sadly, I have many memories of times that I wronged someone. I am not being flippant about the pain I caused. Yet, especially as we celebrate Good Friday and Easter Sunday, I know that these mistakes are woven into God’s overall plan of redemption and healing.Revd BobServices this Easter Sunday - 5th April 10am - Easter Sunday Communion with Baptism - St Marys10.30am - Easter Sunday Communion with Junior Church and Band - All Saints6.30pm - Easter Sunday Choral Evensong - St MarysThe week aheadWed 8th Apr 9:00am – Celtic Morning Prayer, All SaintsThu 9th Apr 10:00am – Holy Communion, St Mary’sSat 11th Apr 12:00pm-1:30pm – Saturday Lunches, St Mary’sSun 12th April 8:00am – Holy Communion, All Saints10:30am – Benefice Holy Communion, All Saints6:30pm – Evening Prayer, At Mary’sMon 13th Apr - Fri 17th Apr – Youth Pilgrimage