Rebirth and Renewal

As we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ who took away the sins of the world and conquered death, we also celebrate our own opportunity to be reborn. “Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep…For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” [1 Corinthians 15:20-22]

Eternal life in Heaven is God’s plan for us if we choose to follow God’s will on earth. Like the trees and flowers that come to life in the spring after the dead of winter, God wants our souls to come alive with a renewed spirit blossoming with faith, hope, and love so that we may “live no longer for [ourselves] but for [Christ] who for [our] sake died and was raised” [2 Corinthians 5:15].

Rising from the dead was a promise kept, opening the way to a new life that reinstates us in God’s grace.[1] The days that follow the Lenten season are not meant to be used to reinstate old habits that we sacrificed for 40 days. The period of Lent is a period of cultivation meant to strengthen the roots of our faith, our hope, and our love for God so that in all the days to come—with the grace of God—we can grow in holiness and withstand the temptations of the outer world.

Let us consider Luke’s gospel that tells us the parable of a fig tree planted in an orchard. For three years, the tree did not bear fruit compelling the owner to have the tree cut down. However, the gardener replied: “I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it. It may bear fruit in the future. If not, you can cut it down.” [Luke 13: 8-9] God wants none of us to be cut down due to sin. Why else would He have offered up His only Son in His mission of merciful love? Christ lived and died for us, showing us the way, so that we can live—free from sin!

Let us remember: there is no greater love than to give up one’s life for a friend and yet, God wants us to be more than just friends. In the resurrection of Christ and the loving grace of God, we become brothers and sisters in Christ—if we choose to accept our responsibility as the children of God.  That responsibility is to be Christ-like and to see Christ in others for what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for our Lord. Truly, the tree is known by its fruit.

As Christ offered Himself to us, let us offer ourselves to Christ and sin no more. Let us ponder our own rebirth and renewal. Let every budding tree and flower of spring time inspire us to grow and blossom in holiness. Let us open our hearts, minds, and souls to the Holy Trinity so that in unity with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit we can truly be made alive!

[1] Catechism of the Catholic Church (654), United States Catholic Conference; pg. 170