Kia ora whānau

This edition of Bishops’ News comes out as we move to Alert Level 3 but still recognise that physical isolation will still be a reality. In the past few days, one of the pieces of commentary which has emerged is around just how many of us have struggled without physical touch.

As I (Bishop Ellie) shared on Maundy Thursday, the act of touch is an intrinsic part of who we are as the created people of God. We have a Saviour who washed our very feet. Before every Eucharist, we greet each other in an act of touch as we share the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace.

During this past Sunday’s livestream service, I explored the many ways in which in kindness to our human variety, following his resurrection Jesus met his followers in ways that reflected their own needs of him. His was a response which was restorative and redemptive (Simon Peter), or physical (Mary and Thomas), or satisfied intellectual needs (on the road to Emmaus). Jesus, who had already given so much, continued in compassion and kindness to those who loved him, and gave freedom to each individual in the way they needed most.

So what is left for us to share with one another, when our physical proximity to one another is removed and we are isolated from each other for our own safety? It is our stories. So this week, we encourage you to do two things:

1. To share your story of how you first met Jesus, with those in your bubble. You might have told this to them before – that’s OK – the power is in the telling and re-telling of our stories, just as we always do on ANZAC day. If you’re on your own, think about who you could tell, over the phone, via email, in a letter.

2. To spend time reflecting on the kindness of Jesus in his resurrection encounters, and to consider how, if you met Jesus just after his resurrection, you would like to encounter him. Would you come with a raft of questions? Would you be angry? Would you just need a hug? Would you fall on your knees? Bring these things before Jesus and notice what he says to you. Know that you are loved and known by name. What story of freedom is Jesus offering you?

In doing so, we claim the power of Jesus that although we may still be distanced from one another, our stories of encounter with the risen Christ remain for us to take hold of. We are constantly invited by Jesus to step into new stories with him. Loved for who we are and called by name, we are held in embrace by our Saviour who promises to draw all things to himself.

In Christ

Bishop Justin and Bishop Ellie