I often like to roam around the garden with my camera in hand, and at the moment we have a number of iris in flower, and I was struck by the patterns and colours displayed by this particular variety. How wonderful creation is that produces such symmetry and hues that colour our world. By the same token, the colours and the diversity of the VE Day Thanksgiving on display during Monday’s parade was just as amazing.
We give thanks this week for the bravery and resolve of the countries around the world who gave so much for the cause of freedom against the tyranny of a dictatorial power. We are so fortunate to have the liberties we enjoy that enable us to go about our business. There are still a number of countries and peoples who do not have such opportunities – they have restricted movement; they are forced into situations that go against their natural instinct.
Whilst we can celebrate the anniversary of Victory in Europe, many cannot celebrate freedom of any kind. We must always keep in mind and pray that one day the whole world will be able to celebrate the opportunity to live without oppression or at least live in a world without terror. We are still in the church’s season of Easter when we celebrate the risen Lord Jesus and the freedom that he won for us in overcoming the power of death through his resurrection. This gives us a reason to hope for the future; a hope that one day all of today’s problems will be behind us and all people will be able to live in peace. Let us all work together for the peace of the world, beginning with our own communities.
May I wish you God’s blessings of Easter.
Revd Graham
