I love the spring of the year when the tyranny of winter melts into the past and new life springs up. I love the way the Church places Easter in this spring time season and then gives us 50 days to celebrate.  Although we have had snow during various Easters in the past, especially over the past few years, the colors, smells, and decorations of the Easter season remind us that death does not have the final word, (“Death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55) and there is new life (“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Col. 3:4).

As the trees are budding and the spring flowers poke their greenery up through the ground, I find an anticipation and excitement that warmer weather is coming and spring is finally here. I marvel as I watch new life unfold. I can’t help but think of one of my favorite Scripture passage Rev. 21:5, “Behold, I make all things new.” God does make all things new. That is the hope of the Resurrection.

This season also brings First Communions. Recently, we attended our granddaughter’s First Communion. She was so excited and filled with anticipation. The day of the great event came. She was beautiful and did not let anything distract her. Her eyes and smile said it all. At the end of the long day, after a great party and opening gifts, she was asked what her favorite gift was. She replied, “Receiving Jesus.” This comment touched our hearts and we experienced a new springtime of faith blossom.

Number #1432 of the Catechism states: “God gives us the strength to begin anew.” The winter of our lives is seasonal. Unlike in Narnia where “It was always winter and never Christmas,” winter is not meant to last forever. Easter melts away dormancy and gives us hope of new beginnings.

The last two Popes have talked about the season of a “New Springtime” that the Church had entered. It is the time of the “New Evangelization.” One the ways the Church in the United States has entered this time and season is by encouraging a Eucharistic Revival that culminates this year with some Eucharistic Congresses that are being held locally and nationally. It is a season of healing, hope, and joy, as we encounter anew the real presence of Jesus in the most holy sacrament of the altar. Check out what your parishes are offering.

In this Easter season of new life and hope, may God bring about a new life in all of us especially as we prepare to celebrate the Church’s Eucharistic Revival in the months ahead. God is making things new. Pentecost, which ends the Easter season, reminds us that God gives us the power and the strength to be made new; to begin anew. Come Holy Spirit and breathe within us new life; new beginnings.

For Reflection:
Have I opened my eyes to the spiritual springtime that the Church has entered? Do I want to be a part of this new springtime? Do I seek the Holy Spirit to quicken my heart and set me on fire in order to live the new life of Easter?

Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit and breathe within me new life, new hope, and new beginnings. Help the Church’s Eucharistic Revival draw me ever closer to You in the “New Springtime” of the Church.

(blogged April 15, 2024)
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