As we reach the end of the first quarter of the 1351st year of the life of the Diocese, I find myself reflecting in a rather “Life of Brian-ish” kind of way on what the anniversary actually means. ‘What’ one might wonder, ‘ has Christianity ever done for us?’
Apart from define the character and culture of each one of our villages and towns visually, spiritually and ethically; apart from instil timeless rhythms of life and worship that have fitted hand in glove with those of land, weather and season; apart from put this place surprisingly often at the epicentre of national history through those called to serve under God in church, state and commerce; apart from inspire us to creativity in art and music and poetry and to endeavour in caring for others and offering freedom, education and sometimes just bread to all in need.. what has Christianity ever done for the people of this place?
Christianity has had a tangible impact on countless lives and wellbeing in these parts and has been part of the warp and weft of life. Sometimes it has led to terrible things, but mostly it has been the making of us, and though there is alarming and rapid change and apparent decline at present, it will prevail. In the last 1350 years, a pageant of nobles and peasants, artisans and farmers, businesspeople, clergy and laity have lived out life’s joys, sorrows and unpredictabilities within these inherently Christian communities, which have sometimes flourished and sometimes not.
But all this stems from a single event and a single man. The man who was God came to show us what God is like and how much he loves us. He modelled love and peace and justice and wholeness such as no one had ever known, showed us that we are not alone in this difficult and wounded world and filled hearts with yearning for a promised Kingdom and with passion to see it fulfilled. His teaching captivated the needy and the pure in heart and made the powerful afraid and very dangerous. They nailed him to the cross in the most brutal of criminals’ deaths and his friends tenderly laid his corpse in a tomb.
On the third day, he rose again from the dead and changed our relationship with life and death, sin and righteousness forever. For 1350 years, Christians here have celebrated that day which is the heart of our faith and the hope of all creation. Those early saints who brought the faith here 1350 years ago brought us Jesus and Easter and the hope and desire for eternal life under our God on earth as it is in heaven.
1350 Easter celebrations later, we can still say ‘Allelulia'
The Very Revd Sarah Brown
Dean of Hereford