Spring is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. Flowers and plants begin to bloom, hibernating creatures wake from their winter sleep, the days lengthen. For many of us, this season brings new energy, and the will to tackle jobs left for too long – time for spring cleaning!
For Christians, this season of Easter also has a deeper meaning. It is a time to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, not only as a past event, but as a present reality and a future hope. For Christians in pre-modern times, it was no coincidence that Easter took place in the spring. The turning of the seasons, the dead earth coming back to life, was a sign of the deeper truth of God’s redemption. After all, the quickening of the trees after winter and the resurrection of the dead both find their source in the same life-giving power of God. Medieval images of the cross often show it with new buds and blossoms growing from the dead wood: a wonderful image of God bringing life out of death.
If there is one word that sums up the church’s worship during this Easter season, it is ‘Alleluia’, Hebrew for ‘Praise the Lord’. This joyful shout of celebration from the book of Psalms becomes our song as we celebrate. The Resurrection of Jesus means new life for us, and for the whole world. St Augustine of Hippo considered the many ‘Alleluias’ of the Easter liturgy a kind of practice for the eternal worship of heaven, and the season of Easter a time of preparation for our life with God. He also encouraged his listeners to remember that praise is more than just a song, it is a lifestyle: “when you praise God, praise with your whole selves; let your voice, your life, your deeds, all sing.” The joy of Easter brings a burst of energy for a spring cleaning that goes far beyond the literal cobwebs and smudges, and instead targets our whole lives. – Rev Miriam Jones
This article originally appeared in the St John’s Messenger. If you would like to discuss contributing a future article please contact news@valebenefice.org.uk.
