The darkness of winter is now giving way to the brightness of spring. The plants in our gardens are now bursting into life. It is as if nature is reinforcing the gospel message that death is not the end and that the darkness of sin is overcome by the goodness of God.

We celebrate Jesus risen from the dead. He is proclaimed in the scriptures as the first fruits. We rejoice in the Gospel message that just as Christ died and rose to new life so we who die with Christ will also rise with him.

May that truth console us as we think of our deceased relatives and friends. May that truth inspire us to persevere through the dark moments of life, sure of the light at the end of the tunnel, sure of the life to come.

That is why this Easter we joyfully proclaim: Christ has risen from the dead, Alleluia, Alleluia.

+William Nolan

Archbishop of Glasgow