For Christians, these days are the most significant days of the year. Traditionally, we mark them as ‘The Triduum’, from Maundy Thursday evening to Easter Day. These days mark the journey in which we travel, in our hearts and imaginations, with Jesus on the way of the cross. From the Last Supper, to Judas’ betrayal with a kiss, to arrest and trial, to carrying the cross to Calvary, to crucifixion and death, to a tomb and then to resurrection joy.

I do hope that you will be able to take this journey in company with the cathedral and the worship that is offered on-line, via the cathedral web-site. Morning and Evening prayer is said each day, with evening prayer offered as a public on-line event. You can find daily reflections and other short films from the clergy, a Maundy Thursday Eucharist followed by a Watch, Good Friday devotions and the Holy Saturday vigil. On Easter Sunday, the Eucharist comes from Wolvesey led by Bishop Tim and Sally Dakin, and an Evensong is offered by English Cathedrals. I do hope that you will take part and feel connected with others drawing closer to Jesus Christ.

Taking this journey is hugely challenging, because it opens our eyes not just to Christ’s suffering, but to suffering and sacrifice around us in the wider world. Travelling the way of the cross with Jesus causes us to become more aware of our common humanity.

On Maundy Thursday, Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment: to love one another as he loves them. God shows us over these three days that he loves everything that he has made, completely, and invites us to live in love and peace with one another and creation.

And the lesson of Easter Day is that, in the end, love wins. The resurrection of Jesus Christ shows us that nothing on earth is more powerful than the power of love. After suffering and pain, after death and darkness, comes new life for the whole world.

Today, as the nation faces the threat of Coronavirus, there is much fear and anxiety, not just about illness, but about making ends meet. People have lost work and incomes. There is nothing good about Coronavirus, but perhaps it has caused us to remember some important things that are easily forgotten.

It has reminded me that we were not made for isolation, but for relationship. It has reminded me that what we do and how we behave affects other people in very tangible ways, for good or ill. It has reminded me that much lower paid work is absolutely vital to the health and well-being of society.

I’ve been more and more aware how much the rhythm of worship, hymns, scripture and liturgy shape my life and give it meaning. We have also learnt vital lessons about how we can change our behaviour, so that pollution is reduced and climate disaster averted.

When we are through this pandemic, may we never forget the lessons learnt this Holy Week and Easter about our shared humanity, about self-sacrifice, and the power of love.

With blessings and best wishes

The Very Revd Catherine Ogle

Dean of Winchester