Alleluia, the Lord is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed!
In reflection of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the Easter season, my memory goes back to teaching the young children in Sunday school about the Resurrection. The butterfly, which has long been a symbol of resurrection, was readily accepted and understood by the young minds. The fact that it disappears into a cocoon and later emerges far more beautiful and powerful made so much sense to the children.
As a symbol of Christ's resurrection after tree days in the grave, the butterfly is seen especially around Easter. It symbolizes our hope of resurrection from the dead. In his sermon "Living the Risen Life," The Rev. William A. Kolb states that "Easter is about life in the midst of death, of new possibilities in the midst of despair. We may be in the tomb, but the resurrection is with us always"
Rev. Kolb also states that God has created us with the capacity to feel, to love and to take on the pain of others. We have the freedom to live for others or to live only for ourselves. With God's help, we can fulfill our potential to truly be, to truly love and to truly care about others. As we continue to embrace the Millennium Development Goals, we have many possibilities and opportunities. Jesus says that He came that we might have life and have it fully. And being fully alive includes the kind of love and compassion for others to which Christ in His suffering calls us to our Christian vocation.
Let us rejoice and experience the great gift of the resurrection with hands that are open to receive and hearts that are open to embrace others. Let us see that lovely butterfly with special meaning as we celebrate the Risen Lord this Easter season.
Note: A 50-day Easter reflection calendar can be found at http://www.explorefaith.org/easter/50days.html
- Offered by Shirley Sadler, Secretary of Devotional Life, ECW-Diocese of NC
