Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’ Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.  Luke 24: 6-11

Alleluia, the Lord is Risen… The Lord is Risen indeed, Alleluia!!
In a few short days, these words will be resounding throughout Christendom as we celebrate the most holy of days on our calendar, the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Our churches and homes will be adorned with lilies, mums, and an assortment of spring flowers and items (to say nothing of chocolate bunnies, chicks and eggs). 
 
As we are greeted by the warmth of the springtime, replete with the abundance of new life, we can hardly contain our excitement, our enthusiasm, our renewed sense of energy.  Perhaps that is not unlike how those young women felt as they raced from the tomb to share the amazing story that “He is Risen”.   How devastating it must have been for them when the disciples dismissed their wondrous news as simply “an idle tale”.
 
I suspect that we will receive the same response when we celebrate the joy of the resurrection with many whom we will meet these next few days, whether at the local coffee shop, at work, at school, or even visiting with family.  For so many in our daily life and work, the story of Christ’s resurrection, that which is central to our faith, is but an idle tale.
 
Let us remember however, that for the eleven disciples to whom the women first told the Good News, it was only when they witnessed for themselves the empty tomb, when they experienced for themselves the risen Christ that they could share in the joy of that first Easter morning.  So too, it will be for those whom we will encounter this Easter season.   Our Easter prayer is that we, like those first women to visit the tomb, will share the Good News of the Easter story, and that our excitement, our enthusiasm, and our renewed sense of energy will bring others to know and to experience the true JOY of the risen Christ, that they too might know the blessing of our Alleluias…
 
Wishing you every Blessing this most Holy Easter time.
 

The rich history of the Anglican Church of Canada is celebrated through liturgy and music in the beautiful setting of St. Paul’s Cathedral.  The Cathedral is the oldest church in the city of London, Canada, and the faithful have worshipped as part of this community for almost 200 years, establishing a congregation that has endured and flourished.  Generations have wrestled with human issues, celebrated life’s events, reached out to others and praised God in this same sacred space, providing profound continuity in the expression of faith. 
“GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

Members of the congregation of St. Paul’s Cathedral are inclusive and accepting, with open minds and open hearts. The doors of St. Paul’s are open to those in need, either for spiritual support or for physical sustenance, through the works of the St Paul’s Social Services Food Bank, The Fellowship Centre, and our Pastoral care team. We strive to move ever forward in faith, and to develop a more well-rounded spirituality as we continually recognize and appreciate our fellow citizens’ and parishioners’ unique perspectives, talents and needs.
“GLORY to God, whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, now and forever. Amen.”

The Clergy and congregation of St. Paul’s are committed to meeting people where they are on their faith journey, walking and working with one another towards the promise of God’s eternal kingdom.  St. Paul’s offers many opportunities to connect with others, building friendships and contributing to the sense of community.  We encourage each other to see God’s grace in our present situations, and acknowledge each person’s gifts and talents which are a blessing to others.
“THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.”