This is a copy of the 12th-century icon of the Crucifixion from St Catherine’s Monastery at Mt Sinai. A feature of Orthodox iconography is that while the suffering of our Lord is depicted, that suffering is surrounded by golden glory, inviting us to hold the cross in the light of the resurrection. Despite what the crucifixion might have looked like to those who were present on that first Good Friday, there was a bigger picture, a higher purpose, and the glory of the resurrection about to be revealed.

I have had the great honour of being a pilgrim in Jerusalem during Holy Week as a guest of Archbishop Hosam and in solidarity with the people of the Diocese of Jerusalem. For many people here life must seem like a never-ending Good Friday, and yet I am amazed to find that those who should be most despondent have joy and hope in their lives. They have hope-filled lives because they live in the light of resurrection—they know that with God there is always a bigger picture, a higher authority, and a continued purpose for their lives.

This Easter I invite you to hold the suffering of this world and your own struggles in the light of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not—and will never—overcome it.

Praying that you may have a blessed spiritual journey to Easter.

Christ is Risen. He is Risen Indeed!

+Sean