REMEMBER GREEN

The qualities of the tomb include darkness, a lack of creativity and vitality, a kind of deadness in the midst of everyday life. But even in the darkest of circumstances we can, thanks to Jesus, experience the hope of Resurrection. As songwriter Peter Mayer expresses in his song Green, “winter brings browns and grays indeed but, when it comes, remember green.”

Resurrection isn't easy. All growth begins in the dark. It is true of Creation, of birth and of spiritual transformation. In plant life, sprouting roots dig in and gather nourishment. The crust of a seed slowly softens and opens so the green in the center of it's heart can emerge. The earth trembles and the soil breaks open to evidence resurrection. In us too, there are deaths that need to happen, darkness to endure, clinging hands and hearts that need to trust and let go. There are graces to accept before movement and growth can begin.

Ignatius invites us to pray with the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus in order to “enter into the joy and consolation of the Resurrection.” Even the people who knew Jesus intimately were slow to recognize him in his risen form. It is not easy to recognize what new life may rising in us or in those close to us. We enter into the joy and consolation of Jesus as we enter into our own daily resurrection moments and appearances.

Where am I on the Easter continuum from death into life? Have I reached the necessary depth? Has green emerged yet from the brown, dry husk of me? What is blossoming?