A Reading
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honour to his name.
Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honour me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
(Psalm 23)
A Thought
I have always had an appreciation of railways. They are a reliable and efficient form of transport, transiting through landscapes and urban outskirts alike with a calmness and purpose unlike any other.
A wide range of carriages and trucks will be securely attached to the locomotive. Wherever the locomotive travels, so do the carriages and trucks.
When the locomotive enters a dark tunnel, so too does the train behind. When the locomotive emerges from the dark tunnel into the sunshine, so too does the train behind.
On Good Friday, Jesus entered into a dark tunnel. The weight of our sins separated Jesus from his Father, and he descended to the dead.
On Easter Sunday, Jesus emerges from the tunnel. He has been saved by the Father, and he ascends into heaven.
We also, if we are securely coupled behind Jesus through our faith, will follow him securely into the tunnel of death and through to the light of heaven beyond.
A prayer
Almighty God,
you judge us with infinite mercy and justice
and love everything you have made.
In your mercy
turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life,
and the sorrow of parting into the joy of heaven;
through our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen