Surprising what you see sometimes when out and about. I passed a bus recently which simply said on the front: SORRY. I thought this both sad and unfair. The poor bus was under orders to apologise not for lateness or failure to be on the right route or for breakdown in an inconvenient place – all good reasons for apology – but for being a bus! No one should be compelled to apologise for their very existence surely?

Better was the lorry sign noticed by retired Bishop Bill Ind, queuing behind it. The startling warning read: DANGER STAND CLEAR OF RAISED BODY. That seems highly appropriate to the Resurrection at Easter. Mary of Magdala met the Risen Jesus in the garden and, when she realised his true identity, made to cling to him. John’s Gospel says she was told not to.

The meaning of this is not all that obvious. Most likely it signifies a new relationship between us and the Risen Lord. It will not be one of physical contact as it had been before but will still be a real personal relationship. We are not to hold onto the past or to cling fondly to what is known and familiar but be ready for something new and vital.

The devastated disciples find out what that vital new element will be when the RAISED BODY becomes the RISEN, ASCENDED, GLORIFIED BODY at the end of 40 days. The down-rush of divine energy at Pentecost (31 May this year) sets them alight. Young and old, slave and free, Jew and Greek, male and female, without distinction find a new identity in Christ for which no one need apologise. All are beloved sons and daughters of God, no less! Come and see.