by the Reverend Canon Anne Moore

It is said that on one occasion Michelangelo turned to his fellow artists and said with frustration in his voice,

“Why do you keep filling gallery after gallery with endless pictures on the one theme of Christ in weakness, Christ on the cross, and most of all, Christ hanging dead? Why do you concentrate on that passing episode as if it were the last word, as if the curtain dropped down there on disaster and defeat? That dreadful scene lasted only a few hours. But to the unending eternity, Christ is alive; Christ rules and reigns and triumphs!”

Lent, and especially Holy Week, are a preparation time of denial to ensure that Easter is even more glorious by comparison. Jesus’ death on the cross finished his work of sacrifice to take away our sins. We must remember that terrible Good Friday and try to understand his suffering. It may be helpful to do that in the company of others at worship. We also must joyously celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and victory over the grave every day—but especially at Easter. Christ is alive and so are we, forever.

Alleluia!