Easter & Spring
Rev. Dr. Jon Gathje

It is always the daffodils. Of course, the crocuses show up a bit earlier, and the tulips really let you know, not for me, it is always the daffodils. Climbing their green shoots that have no seeming worries of snow or wind, the flowers open their sunburst faces to remind us…it is spring. In our climates in this particular part of the world, winter has once again not won. Though it may thrash and convulse and kick and throw another wintery blast at us to grasp at control, the daffodils stand firm. It is spring, and all that has slept over the last months will awaken and arise again.

For Christians in a number of traditions, today is Easter – a 2,000-year-old celebration of the day when the women who followed Jesus of Nazareth found his tomb empty. Just as he prophesied and promised, he would rise. After the winter of betrayal, conviction, crucifixion, and death, a spring of new life greeted those women at his empty grave. The face of Jesus was seen again in all his holy glory.

Easter and spring are the story of resurrection. What was once dead has become alive again. And this story shines everywhere we look. Christianity knows this story. So do other faith traditions, or none at all. While this world grieves and fears and frets that death is the end, the story tells us that death does not win. No, death will instead be transformed. Death will be transformed into life and hope and peace.

Today, and every day, look around you for the signs of life returning – of resurrection. You may find it in the daffodils, or a thousand other places. Wherever you find it (or wherever it finds you!) may you be blessed by the promise of life.
-Pastor Lynette