Chaplain’s Easter message

Wigan Warriors wishes you all a very Happy Easter. Here is a message written by Club Chaplain, Glen Rickard.

“Ruptures and Repairs!”

No, I’m not talking about injuries on the pitch and the subsequent treatment and recovery – I’m talking relationships. I want you to really enjoy Easter. Rupture and reconciliation, by the way, is at the heart of the Easter message.

The truth is that all relationships (marriages, partnerships, family, friendships etc.) suffer ruptures from time to time, it’s the norm. Ruptures heal when both parties decide to listen and agree to move towards each other. It involves risk! It also takes commitment and work. Recently I heard someone say, “I fight for you, you fight for me, and we both fight for us!” I love that.

Be encouraged not to let small issues build up. Some things that people close to us do can be annoying! Ask my wife, being irritating is my superpower! It’s a good principle to resolve issues quickly before they escalate and before you go to sleep.

When ruptures happen a sense of connection in the relationship is broken. This can feel like our emotions towards the other person are more negative than positive. Our words become more strained or heated. We are less likely to use eye contact, etc. Sometimes a rupture hits the ‘Richter scale’ so hard that others feel the quake.

A repair attempt is something to defuse and stabilise the relationship. It doesn’t need to be dramatic or grovelling. It could be doing something in the middle of an argument to make the other person laugh. It could be bringing home flowers and saying ‘sorry’ or cooking someone’s favourite meal. Repairing ruptures means taking the risk of moving towards the other person. It can sometimes be a small but meaningful gesture.

Calm is key. A couple of practical things. If anger flares, take a walk before you speak. We so often go into conflict when we hit boiling point! There is a good psychological explanation as to why a walk calms the brain. I wish I had learned this 40 years ago! Come back with a calm approach. Repairs need people who are calm, committed and prepared to yield ground to each other.

Easter is the time when Christians remember what happened on a cross over 2000 years ago. When God stepped towards us, took on a human body and endured the worst possible suffering and death. Christians believe that this was necessary to repair our ruptured relationship with God. It cost Him everything to offer us forgiveness for our sins. He waits for your response. The question is, will you move towards Him this Easter? A simple honest prayer is all it takes.

Along with everyone at the Warriors, I extend my very best wishes to you and yours, this Easter.

Happy Easter.

Glen Rickard, Club Chaplain.