“LOVE HAS ARISEN”

“Love has Arisen!” Spring arrives almost like quiet praise rising from the earth, a gentle proclamation that life has not been defeated. After the long stillness of winter, creation seems to awaken with a joy that mirrors the triumph of Easter morning. In every bud, every bird’s song, every ray of warm sunlight, nature seems to whisper the same truth the Gospel proclaims: Christ is risen, and life begins anew. Winter often feels like a long Good Friday - - cold, barren, and silent. But spring breaks through with a promise that echoes the empty tomb. Trees that stood lifeless now bud with green. Flowers push through soil that once seemed frozen beyond hope. The world is transformed not by force, but by a quiet, persistent grace. In this way, spring becomes a living symbol of Resurrection. It is as if creation itself participates in the joy of Christ’s victory, offering blossoms and sunlight as its hymns of praise. Everywhere we look, spring teaches the same lesson the Risen Christ offers:

     What seemed dead can live again!

     What was buried can rise!

     What was cold can be warmed by love!

The awakening of the earth mirrors the awakening of the soul. Just as sap rises unseen within the trees, grace rises quietly within the human heart. Th Risen Christ breathes new life into places we thought were beyond renewal —our hopes, our relationships, our courage, our capacity to love. It is easy to imagine the natural world greeting the Risen Christ as he steps forth in glory Spring becomes an enthusiastic welcome - - - an embrace from the world He created, redeemed and now fills with His resurrected presence. Spring doesn’t just celebrate Christ’s new life; it invites us into it. It calls us to let go of the winters within us, to rise from old patterns of fear or sorrow and to open ourselves to grace as naturally as flowers open to the sun. To live in the Risen Christ is to allow His life to take root in us, to let His hope blossom where despair once grew, and to let the joy of His companionship give meaning to history but a reality that continues to unfold. Every year, creation reenacts the miracle, as if to ensure we never forget: life has the final word. So, as the world bursts into bloom, it becomes clear that spring is nature’s way of welcoming the Risen Christ - - - celebrating His victory, echoing His promise, and inviting us to share in His new life. Happy Easter to all!!     ~ Fr. John