Christ as Lamb of God (Francisco de Zurbarán)
The other day – while we were still in the middle of Winter – I felt the warmth of a Spring day. There was that smell of pollen in the air and the weather was just a little warmer than usual.
There was little else to report and it changed very little in my day for things to be at that stage; however, it was such a refreshing change in the week that I have been thinking about that change and that Spring day today.
When I was a little girl, I remember waiting for the Spring. I do not love the heat or the cold, but the lovely temperate climate of a Spring day has always been attractive to me and I used to crave the Spring when I was younger in much the same way that I crave it now.
And today, when I think of the Spring, I think of the Risen Christ. You see, when Christ rose from the dead, it was like the Spring. All that was dark and dead and quiet became – suddenly – very hopeful and beautiful. And this was when Christ rose from the Dead. In an instant all that everyone had ever known was reversed.
I can imagine the elation of the apostles in knowing – perhaps for the first time – the power of God. I can imagine them running between houses, quietly so as not to attract the attention of the authorities, and whispering to each other. I can imagine their debates as they wondered whether they had in fact seen the wonder that was before them. I can imagine their trepidation in walking beside Christ and being afraid to address Him – knowing that He was God, and knowing it in a way that had been proved to them without a doubt.
I can imagine the way that they looked at the Blessed Virgin – Mother of God – knowing that she really had carried the God-Child inside her womb.
And just like the Spring must come to an end, so too did Christ’s time on Earth. And when that happened, I wonder at the disappointment of the apostles having thought that Spring would last forever. And, just as the Spring must end so that the seeds that were sown can grow into the harvest, so too did Christ’s time on Earth need to end so that the Holy Spirit could assume the role of Protector of the Holy Church.
And I have been thinking about that today, because there is so much good in the world that my spirit barely comprehends…
And my Beloved came into the world, just so that He could Die and Rise again, to bring us the hope of Spring – a new beginning and the rewards of Eternal life.
And when I think about that today, I am overcome – for the Lord is truly Master of all things!
For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.
Comments