Did you ever wonder why Christmas and Easter never seem to become routine? Neither of them, although we repeat these two most significant Feasts for Christians each year, always feel fresh and new. "Been there - done that" would be a sad attitude to take. Another Christmas? Santa Claus again? The shepherds and kings - again? Palms waving - again? Easter Bunny? Buy more gifts, sing more carols, hear about the cross and resurrection of Jesus - again, fight the anticipated bi-annual crowds at Church - again? Although they are months apart they remain familiar posts in our yearly Christian journey that have a power and appeal of their own.
The birth of Jesus Christ remains both familiar and ever new. It is a joyful season in the midst of early winter darkness. Yet between the parties and gifts and crazy preparations the birth of the God/Man remains ever new. The story contains a presence and power of its own that appeals not only to our natural emotions but also to our sense that it is right to be generous, kind, loving and forgiving towards all. That we really want "peace on earth" and need to make God's will tangible for all humankind.
Holy Week and Easter of course hold an even more dramatic appeal. Unlike all the frenetic shopping days of December, the Easter season has a distinctly different sense. It is the greatest celebration of our Church Year and the core mystery of our Christian faith: the death and resurrection of Christ. It is familiar as we see the ritual each year of the washing of the feet and institution of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday, the proclamation of the passion and death of Jesus and veneration of the cross on Good Friday, and the ecstatic joy of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday morning along with the sacramental birth of new Christians among us. We swing from joy, to sadness, to somber reflection, to great drama and suffering, to be replaced by unexpected mysterious joy on Easter morning. It is the highlight of liturgical drama each year. And like Christmas it always seems new as these salvation events are once again made real among us as if no time has passed since Jesus coming to earth.
As we prepare for these high holy days next week, let's also check our spiritual life. Have I become dull and "same old, same old?" Or am I still open and fresh to new life and deeper insight? God desires life, not death. And although we recall the suffering and tragic death of Jesus' crucifixion this next week, we are more overcome with the implications of its promise of salvation and eternal life for all. The resurrection of Christ has changed everything for all time. Do I believe this? How has my faith developed over the years?
Try to remember where you were, how you may have felt ten years ago in regards to your faith? Has anything changed and become stronger, more personal, more clear and confident?
Peace
The birth of Jesus Christ remains both familiar and ever new. It is a joyful season in the midst of early winter darkness. Yet between the parties and gifts and crazy preparations the birth of the God/Man remains ever new. The story contains a presence and power of its own that appeals not only to our natural emotions but also to our sense that it is right to be generous, kind, loving and forgiving towards all. That we really want "peace on earth" and need to make God's will tangible for all humankind.
Holy Week and Easter of course hold an even more dramatic appeal. Unlike all the frenetic shopping days of December, the Easter season has a distinctly different sense. It is the greatest celebration of our Church Year and the core mystery of our Christian faith: the death and resurrection of Christ. It is familiar as we see the ritual each year of the washing of the feet and institution of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday, the proclamation of the passion and death of Jesus and veneration of the cross on Good Friday, and the ecstatic joy of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday morning along with the sacramental birth of new Christians among us. We swing from joy, to sadness, to somber reflection, to great drama and suffering, to be replaced by unexpected mysterious joy on Easter morning. It is the highlight of liturgical drama each year. And like Christmas it always seems new as these salvation events are once again made real among us as if no time has passed since Jesus coming to earth.
As we prepare for these high holy days next week, let's also check our spiritual life. Have I become dull and "same old, same old?" Or am I still open and fresh to new life and deeper insight? God desires life, not death. And although we recall the suffering and tragic death of Jesus' crucifixion this next week, we are more overcome with the implications of its promise of salvation and eternal life for all. The resurrection of Christ has changed everything for all time. Do I believe this? How has my faith developed over the years?
Try to remember where you were, how you may have felt ten years ago in regards to your faith? Has anything changed and become stronger, more personal, more clear and confident?
Peace
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