I have no doubt that many of you reading this have spent time, probably a lot of time, looking at the great East window at St. Peter’s and reflecting on its theme. It is a bold and clear depiction of the crucifixion, appropriately stylised by the artist with many embellishments which seek to draw attention to the principal figure (such as the mandorla surrounding Jesus) or to enhance a biblical and theological theme (such as the lamb at the very top of the window standing upon a rainbow). Assuming that you have reflected upon the depictions in the window I hope you consider that it is time well spent.

Given my usual position at the high altar I probably reflect upon the window less than many of you. My focus is on the painting of Christ in majesty on the East wall. At St. James’s, Congleton where I served in the 1990’s the East window depicted verses from the Te Deum. It is a much smaller window than the one here, but suits a smaller building perfectly. Again, my own attention was focussed was less on the window and more on the reredos which was surmounted by a pelican feeding her young, a classic image of Christ feeding his flock with his own blood.

Both of these ‘East window images’ reflect the grandeur of the Easter message. Over the last few days we have heard once again the story of Christ’s passion and can now rejoice in his glorious resurrection, knowing that we are redeemed from sin and can begin a new life. The hymns we sing match our mood of joy. It is a time for the Te Deum to be said or sung and the Easter Anthems provide the introit to Morning Prayer in the Prayer Book. Alleluia is our song!

It is not our song alone. The Divine Office provides for the Benedicite to be offered as the act of praise of the whole creation. Inevitably the Church rejoices in the Easter message, but that joy is a representative one. St. John the Divine’s vision speaks of a ‘new heaven and a new earth’ because all will be transformed into the perfection that the Father intends. As such the Benedicite (from the Book of Daniel) is prophetic, describing the proper relationship between God and his creation. Angels and men sing the praise of God, as do the animals and even the elements. Every aspect of creation recognises its master and bows down before him in praise and adoration. It is a remarkable claim and a perfect image.

You will have your own favourite Easter hymns and I hope you get to sing them heartily. I commend to you the Te Deum, the Easter Anthems and the Benedicite as well, for your own private prayers and devotions if you don’t get the chance to use them corporately. ‘O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord’. If even the ‘Green Things upon the Earth’ bless the Lord – so should we and there is no better time to do it than Easter!

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