After a rather cruel winter of extremely cold weather, rising oil and gas prices and so much bad news worldwide, we have come to spring time. And with spring comes new life. Fruit trees are breaking out in vibrant colors. Other trees are beginning to show new buds. Flowers are beginning to blossom. Warmth is beginning to enfold us. All of nature is springing back to new life and beckoning us to enjoy the great and majestic outdoors.
For us Christians it is a time of added celebration. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead to a new life in a glorified body. With the resurrection comes a promise from Jesus Himself that we, too, shall share in a like resurrection to new life. For the faithful follower of Christ, death is not to be feared for earthly death brings a heavenly new life of joy beyond comprehension. "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard nor has it so much as entered the mind of man what God has in store for those who love Him." Heaven is our true homeland and our life on earth is but a pilgrimage on our way to eternity.
During this season of Easter take the opportunity to read the scriptures about Jesus' resurrection, particularly in the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Read the promises of Jesus Himself about our own new life to come in St. Matthew's Gospel 5:12, 6:19-20 and St. John's Gospel 14:1-4. St. Paul writes of our new life in 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. You may also wish to read 1 Peter 1:4. As you witness the new life in nature this spring, take the opportunity to dwell on the new eternal life we shall enjoy in God's kingdom. Be faithful to Christ. Your reward will be beyond comprehension.