In his Easter Sunday message The Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, reflects on changes we have gone through in the past year, and considers what lies ahead as further change is set to take place. His message appears in full below.
“Things have changed. I wake most mornings with feelings of anxiety, with the effects of the past year having embedded themselves deeply into my life. Clearly a part of me is apprehensive as things begin to change once more.
“In my times of reflection I realised that these same emotions would have been felt that first Easter. Joy as the reality of the resurrection became clear, but anxiety at what it meant for the disciples. Fear of the authorities, concern for family and friends, anxiety of the change this would make to their lives. I realise that these are also my emotions this Eastertide: joy and apprehension.
“Joy at the opportunity to proclaim the resurrection face to face with people, joy at the sense of freedom Easter brings me, and joy at the thought of life returning to normal. Apprehension at discovering just how many people are damaged by this year of distance, apprehension at how I and they will cope with close contact, and anxiety at being able to minister as before.
“My joy and my apprehension are laid at the feet of the risen Lord, trusting that the Easter message of love and life will flow through me, through our church and into our communities.
“Alleluia, Christ is Risen.”
