Coronavirus gives opportunity to renew Easter hope in our hearts, says Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury
The "hidden threat of coronavirus" is an opportunity for the Easter message of hope to be renewed in our hearts, says the Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury.
The Rt Rev Mark Davies said the story of how Jesus rose from the dead showing that it was life and not death which wins in the end, was still relevant today.
In a traditional message he also said that in the past communities overcame pandemics, such as the devastating Spanish flu outbreak in 1918, by recognising the lesson of Easter concerning the triumph of life over death and of hope over despair.
Mr Davies said: "We celebrate Easter this year amid a national crisis and with unprecedented restrictions upon our lives that do not allow a single church gathering.
"In such circumstances, the rejoicing of Easter might seem as alien to our state of national anxiety as is the bright, spring sunshine which has marked these days.
"Yet the hope of Easter 2,000 years ago sprang from the experience of human suffering and the stark reality of death on the cross. The joy of Easter rose from the very depth of human despair and was first made known to men and women who had themselves, self-isolated out of fear.
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"The Easter message that Christ rose from the dead led people to see that it is life, not death, which prevails in the end. The Easter gospel gave rise to the conviction that love is the true power which shapes our world and our destiny. Easter also enabled the early Christians to recognise for the first time the value of every human life in a way that was quite alien to ancient civilisations.
"This in turn inspired a preferential love for the sick and the vulnerable. Historians have called this ‘the Christian revolution’, as Tom Holland describes in his recent book, “Dominion: The Making of The Western Mind”.
"Everything that has shaped our history and continues to inspire what is best in our society, has surely flowed from the news that first broke upon the world in the light of Easter morning, “Be not afraid - Christ is risen!”
"Our ancestors in Shrewsbury, as in every place across this land faced the pandemics of past centuries with this faith, most recently that which followed the Great War of 1914-1918. They recognised the lesson of Easter concerning the triumph of life over death, of love over fear, and of hope over despair.
"In the face of the new and hidden threat of Coronavirus we surely all need to allow this same hope to be renewed in our hearts today, in the very quietness of our national celebration of Easter 2020."
Meanwhile, the Bishop of Lichfield said in his message that the best of times and the worst of times are the key themes of Easter this year.
Bishop Dr. Michael Ipgrave has taken the opening line of A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickins to form part of his annual Easter message.
In his address, he speaks about the effects of the coronavirus outbreaks on everyone, talking about death, isolation, anxiety and heartbreak as the worst of times. He also addresses the best of times, praising the “extraordinary commitment and courage” of people who work for the NHS, as well as shop workers, delivery operatives and the emergency services.
The Bishop of Lichfield reflected on the reinvention of churches and communities during the outbreak, commenting on the “compassion, kindness and common sense” being created online.
He finishes by talking about the significance of Easter, about the worst time of Jesus on the cross and the best time of Jesus raising to life, and prayed that all keep well and stay safe over Easter.
Bishop Michael said he had always loved the works of Charles Dickins and felt the words of the author came to fit the current situation.
He also spoke about how the message of the Easter season related to the coronovirus outbreak.
He said: “The message of Easter is about hope, and we all need hope to find a way through our current situation. We can be inspired by knowing that out of the worst of situations great good can come and that the darkest of times call forth the best of responses.
“We are never forgotten by God, even if we are physically separated from others.
“Please remember that you are not forgotten, and there are lots of people wanting to support and encourage you.”
Speaking of Dickens, he says: “‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. Dickens’ famous words could have been written for our own day. For many, certainly, these are the worst of times: people are suffering, and dying, from viral infection; many confined to their own homes are feeling isolated, frustrated or helpless; there is widespread anxiety about loss of income, lack of food, separation from loved ones; and, as always, the vulnerable are those who bear the heaviest burden.”
