Alleluia! He is risen!

Easter Day 2009

Jesus said to her, “Mary!”

Easter Day can be a time of new hope, of joy, of renewal and transformation. I nearly wrote 'is' there instead of 'can be' but I thought back to other Easters in my life which have been bleak, lonely and depressing. Maybe for some of you reading this, this Easter is a time of trouble and struggle.

But it can be a time of new hope, of joy, of renewal and transformation. I'd like to suggest a little exercise today - even if you are in the middle of difficult times. Sometimes, we have to hasten the transformation - allow it to gain a little toe-hold in our lives - allow God a little room for manoeuvre. So, here goes:

Make a special moment today to be by yourself to pray.
Have some paper and a pencil or pen with you.
Find a quiet spot and settle yourself comfortably...

Now, write down five positive things about yourself...

Remember - God can see many more than five –
but you write down five of those positive things...

Then in a moment of quiet...
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp read them aloud,
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp give thanks for them,
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp allow our risen Lord to come to you,
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp to speak your name and say ‘Well done’.

Now rest in God's love for you.

And the blessing of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you and with those whom you love - this day and forevermore.
Amen

He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!