The Lantern

From the Vicarage

Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the privilege to work with more than 12 classes to explore the story of Holy Week and Easter. Naturally, we have explored this powerful story in a variety of different ways depending upon the age of the children. However, all of the children have thought about Jesus as a King who reveals that God’s love is for everyone and not just for a chosen few. The children were fascinated about Jesus being an unexpected King, one who surprises people by the choices he makes as he willingly journeys towards the cross.

Jesus the King shows us all a different way of living, one that flows out of the deep abundance of God’s never-ending love for us all. The kingship of Jesus is seen as he washes the feet of his disciples, as he breaks bread and speaks of his own broken body. The throne of this king is not one of gold and luxury, but one of wood and nails – the cross. This image of Jesus as king being exalted upon the cross is especially important within the Gospel of St John. As Jesus foretells his coming crucifixion, he says, ‘And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself’ (John 12:32). This is a king who is willing to die so that others may find life, eternal life.

The kingship of Jesus turns the wisdom of the world upside down as he refuses to collude with the authorities and, instead, speaks truth about power. Jesus unsettles the status quo as he proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, one in which the proud are scattered and the mighty have fallen. The power and glory of this new Kingdom is made manifest as Jesus rises from the tomb having defeated evil, sin and death once and for all.

As we begin to look towards the joy of Eastertide, we also begin to look towards the forthcoming coronation of King Charles III. This is a new time for our nation, a new time for King Charles himself. Over the past decades the then Prince Charles has forged his own path and spoken out in a way that has not always been expected. His deep love and respect of the natural world has been all too clear, and he has often spoken out prophetically about the need to protect and care for our planet. King Charles has pointed to the need to listen to scientists and campaigners about the seriousness of the ongoing climate emergency. His very public statements have not always gone down well but, for me, they reveal a king who truly cares for the wellbeing of all.

In this magazine, we have several articles that explore the importance of facing up to our duty to truly care for the gift of God’s creation. This task can often feel overwhelming as thousands are flooded out of their homes and as droughts threaten crops. We can feel too small to truly make a difference. Yet, this is not true. Christians up and down this country, and around the world, are involving themselves in campaigns to positively change attitudes and the way we live our lives.

May God grant us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus our King and, like His Majesty, work to protect the gift of God’s precious creation.

Let us pray,

Holy God, earth and air and water are your creation, and every living thing belongs to you: have mercy on us as climate change confronts us.

Give us the will and the courage to simplify the way we live, to reduce the energy we use, to share the resources you provide, and to bear the cost of change.

Forgive our past mistakes and send us your Spirit, with wisdom in present controversies and vision for the future to which you call us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.