As Christians we celebrate Easter. We keep celebrating so that we might continue to enter more fully into the reality of the resurrection.

During the season of Lent that begins with Ash Wednesday and lasts until the day before Easter Day, Christians look to practice self-discipline, try to put aside more time to prayer and religious thought so that God can come more fully into their lives. In Luke’s Gospel, after the blessings and warnings, Jesus immediately commands us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, to bless those who abuse us. The prayer, penance and generosity of the Lenten season reminds us that we should love one another and repair our relationships.

If you are able to find the time whilst away at sea to reflect upon the events of the most sacred week you may feel renewed, more committed with Jesus to give your lives for others. During Lent may also be the time to meditate on the freedom we have in Christ!

The resurrection stories in the Bible, which mark the final week of Lent, come from communities that are proclaiming the good news. The tomb is empty - Jesus' tomb and every tomb that tries to claim us in death. The writers are not believers who, in their deep desire, just made up the resurrection. These are people who can hardly believe what they are seeing and experiencing. They, like us now, had trouble recognising His presence with them.

We should let the prayers of the Easter week draw us into the joy of rebirth and reconciliation. Jesus is with us. He is risen. This makes all the difference in the world to the hopes and courage we have in any struggle, even the fear of death itself.  

PRAYERS

Remembering Seafarers

Almighty God, hold in your arms those who go to off to sea in merchant ships. Give them the strength to endure the hardships of their work and to keep hope alive. Give them peace when far distance from loved ones frustrates and hope when the tests of many kinds appear. May seafarers know that we do not forget them, neither do you? And we pray that their lives are enriched through their labours. Amen

Remembering Seafarers’ Families

Merciful Father, we remember all those loved ones who seafarers must leave behind when they are gone to sea. Give strength, wisdom and peace of mind to them while they are parted. And we pray for seafarers’ children, who may be upset and unsettled; who may sometimes be afraid and uncertain. May memories of times together bring a smile to their face and the longing anticipation of being together again put joy in their hearts. Amen