Happy Easter

In a parish monthly bulletin we have the greetings and meditation for Easter,  and its meaning for us in the here and now.

One of the famous quotes from Thoreau: "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them." If this was true in Thoreau's time it's probably truer today for many. Certainly, it should not be so for Christians.

We are alleluia people who should be singing these words at least in our heart. This gift of faith and joy that comes is not for us to keep to ourselves but to  give to the  world. Our problem is without this feeling of joy in our hearts we are not able to pass it on to others: a great tragedy.

Christians know that God works in the present moment but when we  can't get out of the past or when future worries keep us from the present moment we miss opportunities:"Enough, then, of worrying about about tomorrow. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Today has troubles enough of its own"  
(Matt. 6:34).

Creation's natural rhythm of life should teach us much. Each new day comes with a beginning and end. We go to sleep for the body is tired only to wake up again to a new reality and new day. We are a different  person we were the day before, for God has worked through us with his graces and the works of the Spirit. We should be singing a new song, we are a new creation: born again. 

This same rhythm can be seen in spring  a  symbol of the Resurrection. Farmers are digging the earth; seeds are planted; flowers are blooming all nature is coming alive.

We  have liturgically lived the paschal mystery. We are not able like Jesus to raise the dead, but we can help to give life to those who have lost hope, and fallen into despondency. This is a mission that we have received as Christians. When we are working to give life to others and help them enjoy the gift of life, we have the joy of the Resurrection. Happy Easter!