As Easter approaches, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, has embarked on a poignant journey to Jerusalem, traversing the revered sites of the first Good Friday and Easter Sunday. This sacred pilgrimage has inspired him to record a series of heartfelt Easter messages, which he hopes will resonate with the people of Norfolk and beyond. With each step, Bishop Graham has endeavored to immerse himself in the historical and spiritual significance of the locations, allowing the essence of the Easter story to permeate his reflections. By walking the route that Jesus took, carrying the weight of his cross, and visiting the site of his crucifixion and resurrection, Bishop Graham has sought to connect with the raw emotion and profound meaning of the Easter narrative.
In his messages, Bishop Graham conveys a sense of solidarity with the community, acknowledging the struggles and hardships that many face. On Good Friday, he speaks of the walks of witness taking place in Norfolk, where people come together to support one another and bear witness to the power of faith. He also draws parallels with the traditional pilgrim route in Jerusalem, where he has walked in the footsteps of Jesus, praying for those who carry heavy burdens, just as Simon of Cyrene lifted the cross from Jesus. Standing near the rocky mound where Jesus was crucified, now inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Bishop Graham reflects on the pain, horror, and agony of the crucifixion, and yet, he also speaks of the thread of hope that God offers, a reminder of the promise of salvation and redemption.
As Easter Saturday dawns, Bishop Graham invites us to join him in a moment of stillness, to be present at the tomb, waiting and watching. He encourages us to take time to reflect on the significance of the resurrection, and to celebrate the first signs of new life that emerge from the darkness. In a message that resonates deeply, he speaks of those he will baptize and confirm in Norwich Cathedral on Easter Saturday evening, rejoicing in the manifestation of resurrection life within and around them. This moment of celebration is a poignant reminder that Easter is a time of hope, renewal, and transformation, a time when the boundaries between life and death are transcended, and the possibility of new beginnings is unleashed.
On Easter Sunday, Bishop Graham recounts the story of the women who went to anoint Jesus’s body, only to discover the empty tomb and the angelic messengers who proclaimed, “He is not here; he is risen.” This pivotal moment in the Easter narrative is a testament to the power of faith and the promise of redemption. Standing in the great church built over the site of the resurrection, Bishop Graham expresses his deep concern for Palestinian Christians who are unable to travel to the holy site, and yet, he asserts that Jesus is not confined to the tomb. As the bells ring out, he concludes with a triumphant declaration, “Jesus Christ is risen today, alleluia.” This joyful affirmation is a reminder that the Easter message is one of universal hope and liberation, a message that transcends borders, cultures, and traditions.
In a final video, filmed during his visit to Jerusalem and the West Bank, Bishop Graham visits the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, where he encounters a remarkable desert plant, the Rose of Jericho. This extraordinary plant appears lifeless, only to revive and scatter its seeds when sufficient rain falls. For Bishop Graham, this phenomenon is a potent symbol of resurrection, a testament to the power of renewal and transformation that lies at the heart of the Easter message. As he reflects on the significance of this desert plant, he is reminded of the countless ways in which the Easter narrative continues to inspire and transform lives, often in the most unexpected and remarkable ways.
In conclusion, Bishop Graham’s Easter messages offer a profound and moving reflection on the significance of the Easter narrative, inviting us to embark on a journey of hope, renewal, and transformation. Through his words, we are reminded of the power of faith, the promise of redemption, and the universality of the Easter message. As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, we are also called to reflect on our own lives, our struggles, and our moments of triumph. We are invited to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, to carry the burdens of others, and to rejoice in the signs of new life that emerge from the darkness. In the words of Bishop Graham, “Jesus Christ is risen today, alleluia,” a declaration that resonates with hope, joy, and the promise of eternal life.
