Although the original meaning of the word Lent was simply Spring, I think it is common practice to associate Lent more with the darkness and austerity of Winter. And this year we in the northeastern U.S. have experienced what has seemed like an endless Winter, the Winter that did not want to go away.

 Similarly, I think we tend to associate Easter with Spring, the season of new birth and new life when days grow longer and flowers bloom, birds that migrated south return, and temperatures climb to melt away the ice and snow.

 The parallels between such a Winter and Lent make Spring and Easter all the more welcome and meaningful. Just as the vitality of Spring replaces “the dead of winter,” Jesus’ Resurrection conquers death. Just as the lengthening of days reduces the long darkness of night, Jesus, the Light of the World, illuminates our darkness. Just as Spring assures us that the cold, hard ground and bare trees are only temporary, Easter brings hope where there was once despair.

 Easter is a gift that God gives us every year. It is an invitation to celebrate life, love, generosity and forgiveness. It is a time of promise.

 At Easter, Jesus brings us a message of Peace and calls us to extend that message to the world. Let us live this Season of Easter in that Spirit. Let us be Bearers of Peace, especially where it is most needed and where it can be hardest to give. Peace be with you!

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