There have been many people who have shared heartbreaking events with us these last few months, and the news is constantly full of stories of immoral politicians, bombs, persecution, and Christian martyrs. It can sometimes lead to fear, or even despair.
But this season in nature and this season in the Church both speak to us of new life, emerging joy, and unquenchable hope. Whether you’re able to feel it or not, the reality of Easter has real meaning for us. Here. Now.
Because of Christ, there is an eternal union of love that awaits us.
Because of Christ, all of creation bears the mark of the God-man and can remind us of the graces of redemption.
Because of Christ, there is always hope that springs forth in the darkness of our tombs.
Because of Christ, there is mercy.
No matter what. No matter where. No matter who.
As St. Augustine said so many years ago, “We are an Easter people and alleluia is our song!”
And as our beloved St. Pope John Paul II said, “I plead with you – never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.”
If you can get out and take a walk with the spring breeze and the singing birds, do it! Or at least open a window and sit next to it in expectation. Spring is one of those times that perfectly echoes the liturgical life of the Church. Everything is new. Everything is crying out, “He is Risen!”
And if you let the meaning and the promise of the resurrection form your heart, you’ll be made new too.
Glimmers of Glory
The rivers are gorged,
Rushing full as if finally free.
The deep snows of winter have given way,
To the movement of change,
And flow of new life.
Even the stubborn ice succumbs
At last to the faithful sun;
Heavy form changed,
Essence the same.
It yields into the surging streams,
And waters the earth it made barren,
In the lonely months,
Of the dark winter.
And I … I who feel pummeled by the storms,
And empty in the dark and cold;
I feel the faintest rays of the faithful Son,
And the moving waters speak in their fullness;
These waters of new life and change.
And surging now my soul, glimmers of glory sing:
That somehow things can be made new,
That life can come from barren lands,
And broken hearts,
And shattered dreams.
Hope springs.
Copyright Erin Flynn, March 30, 2014
Rushing full as if finally free.
The deep snows of winter have given way,
To the movement of change,
And flow of new life.
At last to the faithful sun;
Heavy form changed,
Essence the same.
And waters the earth it made barren,
In the lonely months,
Of the dark winter.
And empty in the dark and cold;
I feel the faintest rays of the faithful Son,
And the moving waters speak in their fullness;
These waters of new life and change.
That somehow things can be made new,
That life can come from barren lands,
And broken hearts,
And shattered dreams.
