Garden Reflection

29 April 2009

There is something significantly apt to contemplating the Resurrection in a garden.

And what better choice of venue than Emmaus House in Clifton, Bristol, with its wonderful outdoor choice of sheltered spots and hidden away corners.

Perhaps it was also significant that 12 people gathered on Saturday (25 April) to reflect on the meaning, the message and the ultimate mystery of Easter.

Led by Father Michael Healy and Sister Ann O’Sullivan, we considered Mark’s text, the first account to be written, of what happened when the women went to the tomb on the Sabbath.  Mark ends: “and they said nothing for they were afraid”.

This version contrasts with Luke who declares: “When the women returned from the tomb they told all this to the Eleven and to all the others.”  The opportunity to gently unpack the Easter drama was revealing.

Sitting in the garden, surrounded by spring flowers and bird song, we shared in small groups how the readings made us feel.  It was clear that while the liturgy over Easter is resonant and filled with impact, there is rarely time to quietly digest and appreciate each segment of the narrative.  Within weeks of Easter Sunday we are preparing for Pentecost.

After lunch we considered Luke’s account of the Emmaus story and realised how, their eventual recognition of the Lord, transformed them from sorrowful, dejected victims into confident, determined evangelisers.

Our concluding Eucharist ended with the familiar ‘Go in peace to love and serve the Lord’.

How clearly this underlines the message of Easter - WE are the heirs of the disciples and it is our responsibility to carry on their work.

Judy Gunthorpe