:: drawing us back to our first love ::

:: JMJ ::






                       











:: Spring really is such a wonderful time of year. I smile every April when I find the fresh breath of spring air gently sifting through my day; it awakens an indescribable newness within my heart. New life, new hope, new zeal ... This lovely 'newness' certainly stands as a great reminder as we continue to celebrate the power of Christ's Resurrection in this, the Easter Season. "The Gospel of Easter is very clear: we need to go back there, to see Jesus risen, and to become witnesses of his Resurrection. This is not to go back in time; it is not a kind of nostalgia. It is returning to our first love, in order to receive the fire which Jesus has kindled in the world and to bring that fire to all people, to the very ends of the earth." {Pope Francis, Easter Vigil Homily, 2014} Perhaps it is in things as simple as the little crocus and the spring breeze that our dear Lord reminds our hearts of the newness found in the triumph of His Resurrection. Perhaps by this new life in Christ's Resurrection, found mirrored in springtime creation, we are drawn back to the joy that the apostle's experienced on Easter morning. "O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown. Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life reigns. " {St. John Chrysostom} We have such reason to rejoice. As the vitality of spring flames around us, we can be assured by the fire of joy and triumph in Christ's Resurrection that flames within our hearts. And so, with each spring birdsong or blossom that sighs into my day, I can not help but smile and rejoice in this newness of spring, this season of returning to our first love. :: 
:: Graci Rose Stefania ::


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