13 April 2008

Easter Greetings!

As we continue to celebrate this great season of Light – the Light that is Christ; the Light that cannot be dimmed, we have begun to see anew an increase in the length of the physical light of our days. Signs of new life are emerging all around: the red-winged blackbirds have returned as have the robins and various other species of birds absent during the long winter months. The deer are grazing in fields (probably to the dismay of our sisters and brothers who farm), the geese are already vying for their nesting spots, tulips and crocuses are pushing shoots out of the ground, those huge piles of snow are nearly gone, and there have been days when those infamous words of spring have been heard: “Cooler by the Lake”. After the long winter, spring holds a sense of wonder as once dormant life awakens, and yet, the changes of spring are familiar – we might even say constant. We know what to expect of spring even with the uncertainty of the weather, we know what spring is all about.

Looking back at our childhood days, there were also things that we expected and just “knew”. Most can admit at a very young age we recognized the voice of our parents – when we were called by name (especially when mom or dad used our FULL name!). Their voices were very familiar; we did not follow, if we listened to what we were told, strangers. And in following, we had a sense of belonging.

In today’s gospel, Jesus says he calls his own sheep by name, they recognize his voice and they will not follow a stranger (John 10:1-5). The sound of Jesus’ voice to those who follow him is familiar, recognizable. There is great comfort, and awe, in believing and knowing, Jesus too calls each of us by name – that Jesus knows us so intimately and loves us so deeply. He desires us to follow him with all our hearts and find abundant life in him. May we listen with all our hearts to the voice of God within and around us.

Peace on the Journey