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Dean John Writes…
Dean John writes… Mothering Sunday brought together all generations in celebration of mothers (and all those who care for us as parents and have done so in the past), Mary the Mother of Jesus, and the Church itself. We reflected on how the Church is a caring community, showing God’s love in practical ways not...
March 15, 2024
Dean John writes…
Mothering Sunday brought together all generations in celebration of mothers (and all those who care for us as parents and have done so in the past), Mary the Mother of Jesus, and the Church itself. We reflected on how the Church is a caring community, showing God’s love in practical ways not just for its own members but also for the world beyond. We wondered if this wonderful community had actually come into being when Jesus, from his cross, commended his mother and his beloved disciple to each other’s care. Even in the agony of the cross, he was caring for those he loved.
This Sunday, Passion Sunday, we begin to focus more closely on the cross and the suffering that Jesus endured in the days and hours leading up to his death. This is why these two weeks are called Passiontide, and why their sombre tone is expressed in the cathedral by the statues and crosses being shrouded. The ultimate revelation of God’s love – shown on the cross, the means of the world’s salvation, cost Jesus dearly. It is the lowest point in human history, the moment when fallen human nature did its worst in attempting, spectacularly unsuccessfully, to destroy the very God who made it.
Even so, this Sunday’s readings show how, for Jesus, his expected suffering was in fact his glorification. Not that he was looking for this, far from it. He could pray, ‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say –“Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ At this, God’s voice was heard from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowds who heard this wondered what they had experienced. Jesus was clear that God had spoken for their benefit. In going to the cross, he was remaining faithful to God and to his own integrity. So he could destroy the powers of death and evil. Eventually, at Easter, we will rejoice in his vindication. Until then, however, we can only attempt to take to heart the life-redeeming love that he showed for us and for all people.
Please, do join us for worship this Sunday, either in the cathedral or online, and do take note of all our worship planned for Palm Sunday to Easter Day.
With all good wishes
Dean John