Even though we are just headed into the Triduum, I thought I would focus on Easter Sunday. May the rest of your Holy Week be blessed. So Happy Easter! May the Risen Lord bring you Joy, Peace, Love, and an abundance of courage and wisdom to BE disciples of Jesus!
It would make sense to say that Easter comes to us in the season of Spring. Like nature which has been lying dormant and comes to life; Jesus lying dead in the tomb comes forth with ‘New Life,’ which is promised to all of us.
Nature dies as part of the cycle of the seasons. Jesus died to redeem us from our sins. Both deaths bring new life. To appreciate the New Life, we need to remain awake and not lose hope. Sometimes our Spring can play tricks and give us less desirable weather. But in the end flowers, trees, plants, and grass blossom and grow. We need to keep our eyes open to see it. As we prepare to celebrate Jesus and His Resurrection we need to see with new eyes and believe in what He promised, “that after three days He would rise again.”
We can miss nature coming to life, just as we can miss the resurrected Jesus like Mary Magdalene did. Even though she was in His presence she didn’t recognize Him at first. Could it be that she had lost hope or just feared the worst? Jesus’ death was so horrific, how could He ever be present to them again? However, with the grace and movement of the Spirit, Mary does finally recognize Jesus. Was it His voice, or did her faith lead her to believe in His promised return? Whatever it was, Mary opened her eyes and heart to witness the Resurrected Jesus.
My challenge to you dear friend is to look back on your Lent and see if your praying, fasting, and almsgiving have brought you to a new place this Easter. What are the new paths you are being asked to take? Don’t worry if you are unsure about this New Way, because, upon His return Jesus was constantly saying “Do not be afraid” and “Peace be with you.” For me, as I reflect on my Lent, the challenges of new life and new paths are what lie before me. Do you hear Jesus say, “do not be afraid I am always with you.” Be blessed, be joyful and know that you are loved.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
