The Bishop of Carlisle calls for us to refocus on the hope of a Risen Jesus this Easter, as the world contends with the challenges of war, Covid and financial insecurity.

The Rt Rev James Newcome was filmed in the gardens of his home in Keswick and reflects upon the light of the Risen Jesus which overcame the darkness of the Crucifixion.

Bishop James says: “Quite a number of magazines find their way into my office – from the ‘New Statesman’ to ‘New Directions’; and just lately, almost every article in every one of them has started with a reference to the latest ‘Horsemen of the Apocalypse’, namely war in Ukraine and the Refugee crisis; Climate Change; Cost of Living increase, and COVID. It is a dismal litany, and we can’t afford to ignore the very serious threat and challenge posed by all of them. It’s hard to be cheerful when so many people in our One World are suffering so much.”

But he draws comfort from the poem ‘Easter’ by the Jesuit priest and poet Gerard Manley Hopkins and which conveys the message of a light shining in the darkness.

Bishop James adds: “That light shines from the Risen Christ, and (as St John put it) the darkness has not and cannot ever overcome it. From the sheer evil of the Crucifixion came the eternal Hope of Resurrection. From the chaos of night – there dawned a new day. So, my prayer this Easter is for a foretaste of that Resurrection: in the world; in our nation; and in the lives of everyone we know and love as we turn our eyes upon Jesus: because He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!”

To view Bishop James’ Easter message for 2022 visit the Diocese of Carlisle’s YouTube channel.

Notes to editors

• A full transcript of Bishop James’ Easter message for 2022 is attached below.

Quite a number of magazines find their way into my office – from the ‘New Statesman’ to ‘New Directions’; and just lately, almost every article in every one of them has started with a reference to the latest ‘Horsemen of the Apocalypse’, namely war in Ukraine and the Refugee crisis; Climate Change; Cost of Living increase, and COVID.It is a dismal litany, and we can’t afford to ignore the very serious threat and challenge posed by all of them. It’s hard to be cheerful when so many people in our One World are suffering so much.

But the story doesn’t end there, as I was reminded recently by a poem.Called simply ‘Easter’ it is by the Jesuit priest and poet Gerard Manley Hopkins. One verse in particular captured my imagination.It reads:

Beauty now for ashes wear,
Perfumes for the garb of woe,
Chaplets for dishevelled hair,
Dances for sad footsteps slow;
Open wide your hearts that they
Let in joy this Easter Day.

He is making the point that there is light shining in the darkness.That light shines from the Risen Christ, and (as St John put it) the darkness has not and cannot ever overcome it.From the sheer evil of the Crucifixion came the eternal Hope of Resurrection.From the chaos of night – there dawned a new day.

So, my prayer this Easter is for a foretaste of that Resurrection: in the world; in our nation; and in the lives of everyone we know and love as we turn our eyes upon Jesus: because He is Risen indeed.Alleluia!

Ends

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.