Parish of Llandudno North Wales, Rector's letter

April 2012

Most families have a collective memory of events, good and bad, which have happened to them over the years, sometimes going back even before the lifetimes of those now alive. Occasions such as baptisms, weddings, anniversaries and funerals, when family members get together, are often opportunities to share these memories. Events which an individual may have almost forgotten can be brought powerfully back to life often aided by the sharing of photos and other memorabilia. Sometimes so vivid do the memories become that it’s as if they are happening now.

A nation or people can also have such shared memories. At the Jewish Passover meal each year the events of the Exodus from Egypt are recounted in such a vivid way that for those taking part it must almost seem as if they are actually living through these events rather than simply commemorating them.

Indeed when we encounter the term ‘remember’ in the Bible it is often understood as meaning much more than simply a calling to mind of a past event. For example at the Last Supper when Our Lord told his disciples to ‘do this in remembrance of me’ He is saying that when in the future his followers celebrate the Eucharist He will be powerfully present with them and that the events of his death and resurrection will be vividly present to them. This is something we can experience afresh each time we are present at the celebration of this Sacrament.

Something similar can be said about the Church’s keeping of the time of the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection in Holy Week and Easter. It isn’t just a case of commemorating various historical happenings, but rather an opportunity to be drawn into the events upon which our eternal destiny depends. In re-telling the story of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day we are drawn into the mysteries of which they speak: we stand along the way as Our Lord rides into Jerusalem shouting our ‘Hosannas’; we sit at table with Christ and the disciples at the Last Supper; accompany Him to Gethsemane; stand with the Blessed Virgin Mary and St John at the foot of the Cross; and meet the Risen Christ with the Apostles and Mary Magdalene on Easter Day. As these events come alive, the life of Christ within us is renewed.

But to take advantage of all this we need to give the various services of Holy Week and Easter priority. For the world in general Easter is a holiday and is primarily a time for family and leisure activities. Christians may of course still have family commitments over this holiday period, but it is surely vital that they give as much time and attention to Holy Week and Easter as is possible in their circumstances. To do any less is to miss a golden opportunity to walk the way of the Cross and to share in the joy of the resurrection.

I look forward to keeping this vital time with you.

Fr. John

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