Easter through Pentecost

     As the Easter season ascends to its climax, all of nature calls us to joy. Flowers are blooming abundantly here in our area, trees are rich in varied greens, everything seems fresh, frequently, even the air. I can’t remember an Eastertide more in tune with creation, more beautiful, more celebrative, more in touch with the feasts of the Resurrection, Ascension and Pentecost.This is the season when all stops are let out and our hearts soar to divinity and the promise of rebirth.

     And then, we come down to earth, so to speak, and are blasted with the fact that we live in a contradictory world, full of challenges. Like the apostles in the upper room, we frighten easily. But God’s grace steadies us as we recall together the promise that will be fulfilled.“I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” And, “If we descend with Christ, we also will ascend with Christ.

  The feast of the Ascension carries our longing for the Spirit who frees us  Pentecost is the climax that sends us forth with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth.

    All three feasts call us to ever deeper faith, hope, trust, and love. Implicit in this growth is daily re-commitment in union with one another and all peoples.  Together, may we sing: “Let all God’s creation resound with praise!  Alleluia!”

Sr. Sharon Portwood