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Dean John Writes... - Ripon Cathedral

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Dean John Writes…

As we journey with Christ through these unparalleled days, the rich and varied cathedral services support and inspire us; what was true in those courageous acts of Jesus and the failings of the world resonate with today’s reality. 

March 27, 2024

The joyful, supportive shouts of ‘Hosanna!’ on Palm Sunday soon turn to the insincere, fevered cries of ‘Crucify him!’ on Good Friday. But not before Jesus had stood up against unrighteous business practices by overturning the tables of money changers. And not before he had indicated the giving of his body and blood in sharing bread and wine, washed his disciples’ feet, prayed in sheer agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, and been arrested at midnight. Now the crowds betray their lack of integrity and understanding – they would rather see a murderer go free. And the Jewish leaders betray their Messiah, their true king, by claiming that they have no other king but Caesar. 

So, often the world seeks to rid itself of God, often without recognising him in the very stuff of daily life. Jesus spoke to Pilate of truth – there he stood, absolute truth personified, and yet Pilate could only ask lamely, ‘What is truth?’ The soldiers attempt to make their victim look a fool by dressing him in purple robe and crown of thorns. For all time, they revealed themselves to be foolish brutes, mocking no less than the king of all creation. 

There are those in every age who are able to perceive something of the presence and activity of the living God. The Roman soldier, keeping watch on Golgotha in that darkest of history’s hours, could perceive that Jesus was God’s Son. And countless through the ages have come to recognise that in allowing himself to be crucified, Jesus revealed God’s love for everyone. That in itself was a world-transforming, life-saving triumph. ‘It is finished,’ Jesus could assert triumphantly from the cross. 

Even so, the darkness of crucifixion was still to be turned to the light of the empty tomb, death conquered by life, and all that spoils and destroys creation’s flourishing dissolved in redeeming love of God. That is what we will celebrate at Easter, in our 7.30pm Vigil on Saturday evening, and throughout the Sunday worship – not least with the glorious singing of the choir at 10.30am and 3.30pm. Heaven’s love and life break through into the here and now, enabling us to begin to share them now. So the joy of last Sunday’s ‘Hosanna!’ is taken to a different level, ‘Alleluia!’ 

We are also left praying, as we recall Christ’s agony and triumph, for the world he came to save. We pray for peace in areas where that seems an impossibility, and we pray for leaders who will have the grace and courage to follow Christ’s self-sacrificing example for the good of all their people. In the life of the Church we pray for revival in areas where apathy and indifference seem to reign, and for its Easter joy to spill over into world-transforming loving service. 

I am extremely grateful to the Very Revd Jane Hedges for being our Holy Week preacher this year – doing such a brilliantly inspiring job for us. And I look forward to Bishop Nick presiding and preaching at 10.30am on Easter Day.

When it comes, I wish you a very happy Easter. Do bring family and friends to enjoy the cathedral through the days and weeks of Easter, with its wonderful decorations, children’s trail and Easter Garden.

With every blessing

Dean John