St Albans Branch Chaplain's Page
Dear Verger
Unlike Christmas day which is fixed for 25th December, Easter day is a moveable feast determined by the Pascal full moon and can occur between the 21st March and the 25th April. As a young choir boy I can remember trying to work out the date using the various tables at the front of the Book of Common Prayer, but never succeeded in fathoming out Sunday and golden numbers. To a 9 year old boy it all seemed beyond one’s understanding, but what I did know was that Easter day itself was a wonderful celebration with glorious music and the possibility of a chocolate egg or two. Why is it so special? Because it is the culmination after the rigours of Lent and the journey with Jesus through Holy Week and Good Friday. How encouraging it is after the busyness of that special week to hear again the gospel message of acceptance, forgiveness and new life for all. A life unearned but freely given. Even as poor witness with failed intentions and lost opportunities for service, we are accepted, forgiven and embraced by Risen Lord on Easter morning - a time of new beginnings and new life. To witness both the depth and the heights through Lent, Christ’s Passion and Easter can teach us again of God’s presence and grace. God is God whatever our fears and anxieties, joys and passions whoever and wherever we are. So we cry “Alleluia, Christ is Risen. He is Risen indeed” Therefore let us keep the Feast. With every Easter blessing and all good wishes,
Yours sincerely
Peter Palmer
Chaplain
