Life

Holy Week reflection: Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, Church of Ireland

Masked penitents carrying a cross as they take part in the procession of the Ensogado, during Holy Week in Sietamo, northern Spain. Picture by Alvaro Barrientos, Associated Press 
Masked penitents carrying a cross as they take part in the procession of the Ensogado, during Holy Week in Sietamo, northern Spain. Picture by Alvaro Barrientos, Associated Press  Masked penitents carrying a cross as they take part in the procession of the Ensogado, during Holy Week in Sietamo, northern Spain. Picture by Alvaro Barrientos, Associated Press 
By Rt Rev Alan Abernethy

CELEBRATING the birth of a baby is so much easier to comprehend than the death of an innocent man.

Christmas declares the birth of a baby in a manger that engages with our joy at new life, yet Christmas, Good Friday and Easter Day are so clearly connected.

The baby became the itinerant preacher and miracle worker, the man who, in all he said and did, showed us what God was like in human form.

He challenged hypocrisy, spent time with those rejected, was despised by many and died as an innocent man.

Yet, in dying, he declared amazing grace and forgiveness.

This crucified man is the one who can offer new beginnings, hope and peace to everyone, as he declares again and again God's amazing love for all.

The Rt Rev Alan Abernethy

Bishop of Connor