Easter Benediction

The tomb is empty
              But our lives are now filled with hope and expectation
The facecloth is cast aside
              But you are now invited into a new relationship
The stone is rolled away
              And a new beginning is revealed.

In the dumbfoundedness of soldiers
In the incredulity of women
In the tears of the faithful
              And in the gentle laughter of that gardener who seemed
              So strangely familiar…
There is to be found a glimmer of light.

To fall at his feel in the dewy grass very early on that first day of the week
To prostrate before his presence in the company of angels and saints, prophets and patriarchs
To kneel in front of his throne in this sacred space
Is to recognise the new light which has shone out of…
              …absence.

For death has lost it’s final grip
Sin has lost all power
Shame has been overtaken by something unseen
And yet seen enough to be burnt into woven cloth
              Impressed into unleavened bread
              Conmingled with the fruits of vine
And to be shown to the Magdalene
              To be shown to you.