We are People of the Second Chance, says Bishop Tim Norton: 2025 Easter Message

17 Apr 2025

By Contributor

By Bishop Tim Norton

If we want be disciples, we’re invited to walk with Jesus in ways that are different to before, sharing His sufferings, imitating his attitudes, ‘emptying’ ourselves in order to live and love in the service of others, writes Broome Bishop Tim Norton in his 20215 Easter Message.

This week is the climax of the mission of Jesus Christ on earth, where the deepest meaning of life is opened up for us in the here and now in the greatest story ever told.

We must not let it pass us by with thoughts that this happened to other people in another time.

We try to capture the words of Paul – Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…(Phil 2:5) as we take our own Easter journey to freedom. Jesus emptied Himself and became a servant. He was humiliated before dying a shameful, painful death with public sinners crucified on either side of Him. We see the bald humanity of the Easter story.

The fresco St Paul the Apostle in Herz Jesus church by Friedrich Stummel and Karl Wenzel from the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Photo: Adobe.

His disciples/friends were initially blind to the heroism in the unfolding tragedy. They argued who was the greatest, they slept in the Garden of Gethsemane when he most needed them, one betrayed Him while another denied Him, and the rest ran away from an increasingly dangerous situation, leaving Him alone and lonely.

The Garden of Gethsemane. Photo: Adobe.

Would we have behaved differently? The disciples exemplify the limitations of our humanity.

Nevertheless, as Christians, we are the people of the second chance. This manifested for them when they heard the news of the angel from the women who went to Jesus’ tomb early on the Sunday morning,

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6) The desperation they felt about their future gave way to the possibility of new life; all because of the resurrection of their Saviour.

They had another chance to believe, to relate, to hope, to create a new narrative where they thought, felt and acted differently.

Bishop Tim Norton with clergy from across the Diocese and members of the new Broome Aboriginal Pastoral Council. Photo: Supplied.

If we want be disciples, we’re invited to walk with Jesus in ways that are different to before, sharing His sufferings, imitating His attitudes, ‘emptying’ ourselves in order to live and love in the service of others.

This is NOT call to a life of pain and suffering. On the contrary, it is an invitation to a life of deep, HUMAN freedom, peace, and happiness.

There is simply no point in considering anything less!

+Bishop Tim Norton
Bishop of Broome