Padre’s Peace

Empty – containing nothing; devoid; lacking substance, meaning, or value

Not too long ago I received a package I had ordered from an online retailer. Pleased to receive my items, I began to open the box, but immediately noticed that it felt rather light. When I looked inside, my suspicions were confirmed: the package was empty. They had inadvertently sent me an empty box! Thankfully, the company soon fixed the situation with a new delivery that contained my desired products.

We are all familiar with the concept of ‘empty’. In its most simple form, empty means ‘to contain nothing’, like an empty box. There is another sense in which empty can have a meaning of ‘being exhausted of resources’, like an empty tank or an empty wallet - something all the more familiar, particularly during the cost of living crisis. But the concept can even get personal, as in the idea of being ‘empty’ as a person - a person who lacks real meaning, substance, or purpose.

In the Christian faith there is another take on ‘empty.’ It is an understanding of ‘empty’ that is not negative, but is actually victorious, triumphal, and powerful. This positive and celebratory conception of empty is manifested in a graveyard, at a tomb - an empty tomb. It is here, where empty represents death ultimately being conquered and sin (all our wrongdoings) being overcome. It is here where a promise was fulfilled and God’s power was put on full display, when He raised Jesus from the dead. This is the ultimate message of Easter: the promise of new life, new hope, new beginnings.

Life can be challenging at times. Difficult. Are you discontent? It is possible to have an empty soul – having no answers for the questions of life that may keep us up at night. Are you seeking purpose? Are you thirsting for peace? Do you lack joy and hope? Are you experiencing true brokenness, feeling down and gloomy, or despondent about what the future holds? An empty soul is preconditioned to be filled. To whom, what, or where, do you turn to when you’re running on empty?

Are you willing to empty your pride, self-centeredness and effort, recognising the void that often results from trying to only ever do things your way and in your own strength? When an earnestly seeking soul finds a living Saviour, life changing transformation can take place. The Padres are always happy to listen to your personal stories, whether you’re flying high and full, or running low and empty - do pop into the Chaplaincy to have a chat.

Wherever you find yourself this EasterBenson, Brunei, Cyprus, or beyond, may you discover and live the abundant life that is full of hope, joy and peace. Happy Easter!

Padre Paul Stephens