Bestowing Life

On the cross He nullified the curse of the tree. Remember the "tree in the garden" of paradise. Since that day when Eve and Adam partook of its fruit, the world has known turmoil and death. We hear of the tree of life, or plainly put, the cross which brought joy into the world. If it wasn't for the Death of Christ, we would not share in the fruit of the Resurrection, which bestowed upon us eternal life, through Baptism.

While we rejoice on bright week, we remember what this means to us in our world today. It is about learning the message of the "fig tree." Christ cursed the fig tree, because He gave it life, and it's job was to provide and bear fruit for Him, which it failed to do. We are reminded through out holy week, by the many hymns of the church, that even His own people, failed to know Him, the One True God.

Mankind is created to know, love and served the Lord, just like the fruit tree. There is lesson derived from the fig tree. It is not enough to know the Lord, even evil spirits knew who He was. We must be ready to love and serve the Lord in any way He calls us to, and at any time. He is the only way to Life, Hope and Peace, eternally.

We are released from sorrow, filled with joy and gladness, and told to "Proclaim the Good News," as was the women, receiving the message from the risen Christ. This Pascha has sanctified all believers. Are we ready to meet and serve the Master, sharing in His victory?

Today, as I look out of my window, I see newness of life. The baby leaves coming forth from the maple tree, are little clusters of red balls. The new birdhouse that I purchased in the fall, shaped like a star, have already been occupied by cute migrating birds. Yet, it is allergy season for so many people, including me. My home is filled with beautiful flowers, Lillie's, yellow roses, Hyacinth, flowering peace plants, carnations and palms. Yet, outdoors it is grey with impending rain. Spring brings about newness of life and reoccurs each year, reminding us that life springs "eternal." The last enemy "death" has been vanquished, and He, the Bridegroom, will come again in Glory to claim His bride, His faithful people. On that day, He will wash away all pain, suffering, and sorrow.

Just like pruning, we have purged away "the undesirable" and replaced it with the "eternal well spring,"Pascha, from which we draw Life. Wishing you all the joy that the Holy season of Pascha brings, through the Risen Christ, our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Even in this "Bright Week" we are reminded by the Sixth Ode, on Holy Friday, though, that we must do our part, by not forsaking mercy, as we hear and remember the words, "Falsely and in vain do you keep watch, for you have forsaken mercy."

There is no Life apart from the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, who is your creator, and the lover of mankind, who has come to give you, life eternal....and we must remain vigilant and watchful. In this, our season of "Spring" let this be the message that springs forth from our hearts. "Life for evermore!" Christ has Risen from the dead, trampling down death by His death. And in this, we become partakers.