I was once in a Church overseas for its first service after being shut for some time. There had been much suffering and sadness.

The closure had not been because of a strange virus but, rather, the more familiar problem of banal political oppression causing a loss of freedom to worship. Worshipping with these people, on their first Sunday back in their Church, is one the most wonderful moments of my life.

The Church was beautifully restored. The place was packed. People prayed with passion. The music was sublime. It took me a while to realise they were worshipping without any books.

During their persecution, while the Church was shut, they had memorised the liturgy. Now this faith- life they had sustained privately and discreetly, in spiritual communion, could be shared together again in their beloved Church.

This was sacred liturgy in the fullest meaning. The faces shone. Tears flowed. People couldn’t stop smiling. It was like a 1000 Easter Sundays all at once. Little needed to be said to make the clear biblical connections. “I AM the Resurrection and the Life,” was the text.

You can see where this is heading...

As I write, our Churches are shut and our faithful souls are worshipping at home. But there will come a day when we will again open the Church doors. In our various traditions, we will offer God the best worship of which we are capable. 

We will do this together. It may be after the Easter date but, yes, let’s expect it will be like a 1000 Easters all at once!

With prayers in the Easter Christ,

Bishop Philip Huggins.

President, National Council of Churches in Australia