SS Nicholas & Peter ad Vincula, Curdworth

The greeting shouted, first on Easter Eve as the first light of Easter is lit. The new Paschal Candles are lit from that light; all those gathered around hold an individual candle which is also lit from that first light.

“CHRIST IS RISEN” cries the priest and

all shout “HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!”

The candles are processed through the church and that call and response echo through the building as the light of Christ brightens the dark church.

Of course, this is the culmination of a long period of contemplation, study and self-denial during the six weeks of Lent which began back on Ash Wednesday, during some of the darkest days of the year, but which we can leave behind as we celebrate the joy of Easter.

Not yet, though. The triumph of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday is but a brief respite before an intense few days as we re-live the narrative of Holy Week. Day by day we follow Jesus’ footsteps moving inexorably towards the cruelty of the cross.

Finally, we can join in the cry “He is risen indeed! Alleluia!” on Easter Day and, if we have followed those footsteps, how much more glorious will it sound! The cross is with us in our church buildings, in our churchyards, maybe on a chain around our necks or as a pin badge on a lapel to remind us of the sacrifice made on behalf of us all on that first Good Friday.

There are opportunities each day of Holy Week to worship in our churches, through quiet services as well as via words and music on both Palm Sunday and the Wednesday of Holy Week.

Do try to make the most of this Holy Week, so that when Easter Day arrives, it will be the wonderful day it should be – the “Queen of Festivals”.

Wishing you a happy and blessed Easter. “Christ is risen. He is risen indeed! Alleluia!”

SS Nicholas & Peter ad Vincula, Curdworth

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