Romans 5:1-5
John 15:18-21
‘These sufferings bring patience, as we know, and patience brings perseverance, and perseverance brings hope, and this hope is not deceptive, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given us.‘
In certain circles on Twitter there was discussion as to how far we should follow the principles of the liturgical calendar, when this year that means celebrating St George on the 24th rather than the 23rd. If we look below the surface a little we can easily find some solid ground. The transferring of a feast is the Church’s way of keeping the celebration of the Resurrection front and centre. Liturgically we are now in our third week of celebrating the triumph of life over death, of hope over despair and love over hatred.
St George enters our liturgical landscape as one who embodies the dynamic of the Paschal mystery. His ability to empty himself and to offer his life in the cause of love and truth mirrors Christ’s own self-emptying. Legend gives St George a particular place in our collective psyche. And its this place which is unnerved when his feast is transferred. I think there is a good case for seeing the celebration of the Third Sunday of Easter as a prelude to celebrating St George.
Whatever we might think about the way in which St George has been co-opted into harmful right wing ideologies, his memory remains of one who was ready to have God’s love poured into his heart. This was the source of his chivalry and bravery.
When are you most aware that God’s love has been poured into your heart?