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My dear brethren, as Easter approaches I would like to ask you a question. What does Easter mean for you? I am prompted to ask because of a news article on the Look North TV programme recently. The reporter was asking visitors in Beverley about the news that some shops had been selling Easter eggs long before Christmas! There were of course varied opinions ranging from “how daft” to “that’s Ok I love Easter eggs the bigger the better!” Unfortunately the link between the true meaning of Easter and Easter eggs seems not to be made in today’s world.
However, I must confess that I am an addict of Easter eggs too. As children we always had an Easter procession from and back to our church, accompanied by the sound of the Boys’ Brigade bugles and drums. On arriving at the church after the march we were given a large orange. That was good but the best part, however, was returning home where after lunch we were allowed to start on the chocolate eggs. Now you know why I’m not as slim as I used to be!
In ancient times eggs were a symbol of rebirth and new life symbolising the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In medieval times eating eggs was forbidden during the period of Lent, so that on Easter Sunday it was a real treat to be able to eat them once again. In some traditions the painting of eggs is usual. Indeed, as a child I remember that was a regular feature. Many years ago we visited the island of Corfu and it happened to be around the Greek Orthodox Easter, so we went to a small church on the coast where a nun gave our young son a red painted egg (which symbolised the blood of Christ).
As an ordained Priest within the Traditional Anglican Communion there are extra Bible readings and Church services through Lent and into the Easter weekend culminating in a sad Good Friday followed by a joyful Easter Sunday. The cycle of the Church year has two very important periods; Christmas and Easter marking the birth and death of Jesus. The liturgical colours we wear reflect the sadness of the Easter period so that during Lent purple is worn as it reflects a period of penance, humility and waiting. Once Easter Sunday has arrived then white can be worn to show joy, purity and glory.
Apart from the important meditative feature of Lent, followed by Easter itself, I still live in the hope that a chocolate egg may somehow find its way into my home and that I have the will power to resist disposing of it before Easter Sunday! Whether you are involved in any kind of worship or not, whether you love Easter eggs or not, I wish you and yours a very happy and peaceful Easter.
Brian Roberts, Provincial Grand Chaplain (Priest, St Swithin’s Church Lincoln)
