War is always a defeat

Dear Friend

My Easter leave was graced with being able stay very close to all that was unfolding in Rome as, just the day after giving his Easter Sunday blessing to crowds, Pope Francis died on Monday. As his life was celebrated we were shown a person who lived his calling to the full, in joyful fulfilment of all he was made to be.

His last public message voiced our deep yearning for peace, listing all the known conflicts waging now and calling for their end. As he often said, “war is always a defeat”. I wonder how those words speak into the commemorations of VE day this week. “Victory in Europe”. Like many communities we are holding a “street party” (in St Matthew’s 3-6pm on Sunday 4 th : all are very welcome!) recalling the celebrations of the first VE day. I can only imagine the overwhelming relief that such parties celebrated. This was about the end of a war – the hope of peace.

The gospel reading for this Sunday begins with a celebratory meal after days of darkness and fear. Jesus, risen from the dead in victory over all the forces of death and destruction invites his disciples to join him for breakfast on the lakeside. What relief, joy and hope must have been there. They gather in companionship and celebration. Once replenished, Jesus begins to talk to Peter about his calling in time to come. Jesus gives him the task of continuing his work, gathering his followers and living out the hope of the resurrection which is the transformation of the world through love. He leaves Peter in no doubt, this mission is not easy but it is what he was made to do. There is a sustaining joy in doing what you were made to do.

Can we see gatherings to celebrate and commemorate this week through the same lens – a time of replenishing and renewal so we can each take up our own calling to be those who know war can bedefeated, working for peace in our own way?

In our church life, we will be thinking about our shared calling as we gather as we gather for our APCM on May 11 th after a shared service at St Matthew’s at 10am.

How can we too live out the hope of resurrection, be part of transforming the world around us with love, discover together the joy of living out who we were made to be? Do come and share the exploration!

Blessings Samantha