Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday, 4th April, 2021

I am trying not to think of the idiots and crowds who have gotten themselves in the news for fighting, for raving, for amassing in ridiculous numbers. Yet a bit of me sympathises with the frustrations, the desire to protest against the police bill and the sheer exultation of getting out and being with people.

I have been sobered up by hearing of the death of an ex pupil and friend, aged 50. Sudden and cause unknown and such a shock for his family. I put it in the context of my faith and Easter and hope but it does not stop the huge pain and grief of his Mother and family and friends.

I streamed a powerful Vigil Mass from Northern Ireland last night. To my surprise I enjoyed the lone guitarist cum singer. I certainly enjoyed the shortened version of the nine readings from the Old Testament outlining the history of God's people and their interaction with Him. Excellent sermon by the priest on silence and the sounds that might be associated with the Passion: the clink of money, the breaking of bread, the baying of the crowds but finally that sound of the stone rolling away from the tomb. Cleverly and spiritually he made us think that that sound will be ours. It was not pious or foolish or sentimental, just a deep thought leading to life.

This morning I went to Norfolk but was not impressed by the sermon. I was also surprised at how many people were in the Church. It has been a Triduum of wondrous sights and sounds and words via iPad!

Finally I am lying down as I write. I have finished the clearing away and washing up ( the dish washer is still churning away ) of lunch. Legally bubbled lunch....smoked salmon, prawns, asparagus, salad, kiwi fruit and mayonnaise to begin. Superb lamb cooked for 6 hours with herbs and wine plus a variety of vegetables and garlic sauces. Then six varieties of cheese with biscuits. Finally a cream and raspberry pudding and then coffee and chocolates. Far too much but delicious and although I should be going for a walk the wind is too strong and the clouds are low and threatening. So a siesta.

I believe in the Resurrection and glory in it but I mourn a friend and I think of the many who have nothing to eat nor a shelter but live in fear and places of war and turmoil. It is a messy world but I am grateful. I also listened to the Pope's Urbi etc Orbi sermon and blessing. He totally understands the horror of wars, of the vast arms sales and stock piling going on, of the billions who are without anything and he used the word scandal often. O God come to our aid, as we say.