May: Thoughts from Huw

Dear Friends,

It was a wonderful blessing to see so many worshipping at Wesley on Easter Sunday and for me to lead worship on the day of Christ’s resurrection. It was also a real joy to welcome four new members into the church family. May God bless them.

Thank you to those who decorated the church and made it look so beautiful and thank you to those who provided refreshments following the service. It was a truly joyful occasion.

The Easter season brings joy and hope. We certainly need hope in our troubled world today. We can face anything, endure anything, as long as we know or believe it will not last for ever, and that something better will happen. For instance, people will face a long painful and dangerous operation if they believe it will make them well again. Prisoners can face a long sentence as long as they believe it will end, and that they will enjoy freedom again. We can face the rigours of a long and miserable winter because we know that spring will come again. 

What this underlines is the importance of hope. It is as necessary for the spirit as bread is for the body. It is amazing what the human spirit can endure and overcome, provided it is nourished by the bread of hope. 

At the time of writing this, I have heard that Pope Francis has died. How wonderful it was to see him waving to and blessing the huge crowds of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, Rome on Easter Sunday. Following the day of Christ’s resurrection he passed away. He provided so much love, joy hope to those in despair particularly the poor and the marginalised. He worked and prayed for justice and peace among the nations. He knew that God’s love is stronger than death. May he rest in peace!

Faith in the resurrection of Jesus is the basis of our hope of eternal life, a hope which enables us to bear patiently the trials of life. So, as God’s people, there is a quiet joy among us and a deep sense of peace because we know that life is stronger than death, love is stronger than fear and hope is stronger than despair.

With good wishes and prayers

Huw