How does an Easter Egg help us share the Easter story? Or to be more accurate, how do 550 Easter eggs help us to explain the Easter story? That is a question I have been asking (and exploring the answer with) across the Parish over the last few days.
As you know, we have once again promoted the Easter Egg appeal in partnership with the Deanery. The simple idea generated by Julie Minter when she was on placement with us has grown into an annual event. As with the Christmas voucher scheme, each year I wonder if we will get the support we have had in the past and each year I am both delighted and amazed at the generosity people show. At the start of Holy Week over 550 Easter eggs were shared with 3 local charities to then share with those they seek to support and care for.
But how does this help us explain the Easter Story? In various assemblies and groups this week I have asked what an Easter Egg represents ….some of the answers have been surprising ‘we have them because the Easter Bunny lays them’ … some of the answers are simple and hard to argue against ‘because we love chocolate’ … but after some work and thinking together we agree it is because out of an egg comes new life. New life is a sign of hope, joy and excitement. It is this that the first disciples experienced as they discovered the empty tomb broken open and then encountered the new life of the risen Jesus.
So the giving of Easter Eggs is our chance to share something of that excitement, joy, love and hope with others. The 550 Eggs are a small way of us showing that love of Christ in the world, and bringing some hope and joy into what can sometimes be lives marked by darkness, sadness or fear. Those Easter Eggs also then remind us that the Easter life we celebrate is not something in the past but is active and engaged in our world today.
This Easter as you enjoy the celebrations of new life – and the Easter eggs and other treats – think about how you can share that life and hope with those around you. Apart from giving an Easter Egg, what can you say or do that will bring a little of that light and love into the lives of others?
Happy Easter!
Father Bob