Easter Transformation

"The mystery of transformation more often happens not when something new begins, but when something old falls apart."

So writes Richard Rohr, as quoted by Kate Colemen in 'Metamorph' a book on leadership as inspired by '...extraordinary and ordinary people of the Bible.' Some of you might recognise it as a quote I read during our recent District Synod. It's a quote that's been running round in my head not only as I have read and pondered on 'Metamorph', but also as I've thought about the next steps we will need to take to look in more detail at the idea of re-shaping the Lincolnshire District for better efficiency and to enable mission.

However, as we have approached Easter Sunday the idea in the quote has taken root in a different context, that of the resurrection of Jesus. Throughout his ministry Jesus attempts, with varying degrees of success, to get people to catch hold of a vision of a transformed world. The kind of world where all are valued, all are cared for, all are encouraged to fulfil their potential. Where God is worshipped in spirit and in truth, not through the fulfilment of ritual obligations but through love of self and neighbour in balance. However, the old order has a firm hold, not least because of the vested interests of those in power who do not want to give it up and lose their status or wealth. The something new spoken of and lived out by Jesus does not seem enough, in and of itself, to shake the foundations of the old.

At the moment of Jesus' death there are accounts of earthquakes and the sky turning dark, and the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple complex being torn in two. The old order, the world as it was, is literally falling apart. Three days later the earth finds its re-creation in a second garden, with the lightness of angels who speak to the women who have come to tend to the body of Jesus, a body which is no longer there. No longer constrained to earthly rules Jesus appears to those who need to see him wherever they are, God is truly no longer confined to the inner sanctum of the temple. The old order is broken, the new order has begun.

And yet, as we look at the world around us we might ask ourselves if that is really true. We continue to be surrounded by those who will not give up power, status and wealth for the good of all. There is conflict and lack. It seems like nothing has changed. But it has, it changed with Jesus' death and resurrection. The old has fallen apart and the new has begun, and transformation becomes possible. Our own, personal transformation to live as Jesus lived, and through living as Jesus lived transforming the lives and situation of those around us. Little by little, day by day, starting today.

The Supper at Emmaus, 1958

Ceri Richards (1903-1971)
Pen and ink, watercolour and gouache on paper, 40 x 40 cm. Methodist Modern Art Collection, MCMAC: 039
Image Copyright © Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes. The Methodist Church Registered Charity no. 1132208