It could be said from a close look at the Lectionary readings for each Sunday that the season of Lent is bracketed by two mountaintop experiences through which we perceive Christ’s glory. The season of Epiphany came to an end on the 15th February, when we read about Peter, James and John climbing up the Mount of Transfiguration with Christ to experience the shining revelation of his glory.
But then, following that transcendent experience, which Peter hoped to prolong, the disciples had to descend the mountain and begin the long final walk to Jerusalem with Jesus.
And then at Easter we read about Christ climbing another summit – the hill of Calvary, to die on a cross. And yet the strange thing is that the Bible makes clear, that though Christ died a shameful death, crucified between two criminals, this second ascent revealed his glory far more than on the Mount of Transfiguration. This is because his death was not in vain, he was crucified to pay for our sins. On the cross, Christ made a glorious exchange – he took our sin upon himself and paid the penalty that we owed God for our wrongdoing, that we might be given his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21) and declared innocent before God.
Although Christ’s radiant glory was glimpsed on the Mount of Transfiguration, awesome as that must have been, let us celebrate this Easter that his glory was chiefly revealed through his willingness to die for us on the cross. His glory is revealed not in power and prestige, but in weakness. In the astonishing revelation that Christ ‘emptied himself, by taking on the form of a servant…[and] humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.’ (Philippians 2:8 – 9)
Life is full of mountaintop experiences, times in the wilderness and even valleys of despair. But this Easter, may you remember Christ’s victory for you on the cross, and the power of his resurrection, no matter where you find yourself on life’s journey. Hallelujah! Christ is risen!
Baptism
A celebratory united service was held at Dernakesh Chapel of Ease on Sunday 22nd February, for the baptism of Evan Winston Wedlock. Huge congratulations to parents Mark and Lois Wedlock and big brother Robert! It was a wonderful occasion, the sun shone and grandad Mervyn kept us all warm and cosy during the service with a well-stoked stove!
Mother’s Union
Linda Moore from Cú Chulainn Blood Bikes spoke at the February Mother’s Union meeting in Cootehill. Linda was named Ireland’s Volunteer of the Year last December. She talked about the valuable work of Blood Bikes – motorcyclists who volunteer their time to quickly dispatch blood supplies, breast milk for premature babies and other vital supplies to hospitals around the country.
GFS Planning Meeting
We are hoping to restart the GFS in the parish, hopefully on a monthly basis, but we need volunteers willing to help! A planning meeting will be held on Monday 27th April at 8pm in Cootehill church hall. If you feel you would be able to help out at GFS and volunteer a little of your time to help young girls have fun together and learn more about God, please do come along.
Parish Prayers
We continue keep the following parishioners and friends of the parish who have been unwell in our prayers as they recover from illness: Patricia Smyth as she continues to recover from illness at Christmas. Susan Deacon, undergoing rehabilitation following a fractured ankle. Kate Donnelly as she continues to settle in Lurgan. Norman Foster’s brother Ivan, recovering from a stroke, and his sister Ruby, following a major operation. May the Lord bless them with his healing touch and help them to fully recover.
Condolences
We extend our sincere sympathies to Libby Gillespie from Ashfield parish on the recent death of her mum Anne McGauran, Drumlion, Ballinagh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McGauran and Gillespie families. A touching article in the Anglo-Celt demonstrated Anne’s caring and generous nature.
We also extend our condolences to the McKay family on the recent deaths of Douglas Mahood, husband of Winifred (née McKay) on the Isle of Man in December and Lillian Drury (née Rowntree), Aunt of Thomas, John and Winifred in February in Dundalk.
Easter Services
Maundy Thursday, 2nd April, 8.00pm:
,All Saints, Cootehill (H16 HC59).
Good Friday, 3rd April, 8.00pm:
Evening Service, Ashfield Church (H16 DF85).
Easter Sunday, 5th April, 11.00am:
United Service, St. Mark’s, Kill (H16 TW54).