With four deadlines passed for the completion of the St Alban’s Project, we may all be wondering if the congregation will be in by Easter!

Those responsible for the World Cup have already made contingency plans in case the contractors working on the new Wembley Stadium fail to meet their schedules. Despite genuine optimism, it is rare for large projects to finish on time and within budget.

But what if the Son of God had not obeyed the extreme timetable of His Father and not set His face to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9.51)? Jesus knew that the work of Love had to be perfectly expressed there, to confront all the injustice and corruption mankind was capable of.

He knew the ‘sins of the world’ were gathering to crush Love forever - perfect Love - unpackaged within His Body. How tempting to call a delay and put off the completion of His Work!

How tempting to reduce some segment of those crushing forces; perhaps a word to the crowd, or a simple miracle to temporarily blind Pilate or the High Priests, so that they would respect Him a little and not use against Him all their cruel power.

Perhaps it would only have created a small diversion, like extending Lent another week or so! But if Love’s project had not been perfectly completed, there would always be that segment of society who would claim never to be touched by Love, because it had never embraced them with outstretched arms.

The Son of God completed the Work on time - which is why Lent can come to an end, and we can confidently prepare to celebrate the wonder of Easter.

And if the congregation were back in St Alban’s for Easter, that would make it a double celebration!

In anticipation, and with best wishes for a Happy Easter.