An Easter message from The Dean

"The Easter message is that new life will spring from death – that nothing can destroy the power of God’s love. We have seen the power of love displayed in so many ways during the current crisis and that is what gives us real hope for the future," says the Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Jane Hedges.

As Easter Day dawns we are greeted with the message, "Christ is Risen!"

Yet this has been the most extraordinary Holy Week. Under normal circumstances we would have spent many hours in the Cathedral participating in deeply moving acts of worship in the company of hundreds of people, uplifted by stunningly beautiful music. Instead we have been praying from our own homes and kept in touch with our congregations through podcasts, videos and emails. Our Archbishops have said that this is an opportunity to discover new ways of being Church and I’m sure that quite a lot has been discovered, but I for one hope that we won’t have to wait too long to have the old ways of being Church restored, and to be back worshipping together.

The crisis facing our country and the whole world at this time, has though, given all of us a wake-up call in terms of realising that the gift of life is a fragile one. It’s very easy for us, under normal circumstances, to take things for granted and not to take time to appreciate the people and the world around us.

There have been many heart-warming features in the last few weeks, including the ways in which communities have pulled together, neighbours have looked out for each other and NHS staff and others have worked tirelessly in caring for the sick. People have also been incredibly creative, imaginative and inventive as they have co-operated in scientific research and in the production of equipment and new medical facilities.

The Coronavirus has brought much heartache and suffering to our world – suffering which will continue as people come to terms with the loss of loved ones and also of livelihoods. In the midst of this, Holy Week has reminded us of the suffering that Jesus endured in his love for the world, and that, however much we are suffering, he is there alongside us, sharing our pain and sorrow.

The Easter message is that new life will spring from death – that nothing can destroy the power of God’s love. We have seen the power of love displayed in so many ways during the current crisis and that is what gives us real hope for the future.

So amidst all that is happening we can proclaim, “Christ is Risen – Alleluia!”

The Very Revd Jane Hedges

Dean of Norwich

Picture: Bill Smith