In the beginning…
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth…” Is 65:17
When we prayerfully read Holy Scripture, it becomes brand-new again. It is of the many faithful ways God continues to meet us where we are.
The Israelites understood Isaiah’s prophetic and timely words to be referring to the rebuilding of their Temple in Jerusalem. After their return from their long Babylonian exile, they were excited to establish a new holy place where they believed ‘heaven met earth.’
God continues to bring HOPE in new things.
Like the Israelites, we hear God’s Word and apply it to our times today. During a tumultuous year of dealing with the pandemic, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we have found new and clever ways to spread the Kingdom of God, just as He intended. Though we are masked and 6 feet apart, the love of God is alive and thriving!
Technology today offers wonderful new methods to keep us connected to our faith practices, traditions, and relationships. It has expanded the borders of countless organizations and businesses. When we invite God to lead us, the Creator of all good things will most certainly bless our innovative efforts to reach our communities and enhance our services. Let us give prayers of thanksgiving! We are adapting in holy ways!
As we return from our exile of isolation, we discover some developments which may be of concern. Social norming is saturating our culture. Are leaders taking ethical issues into their own hands, rather than asking the Hand of God for guidance? Current trends and policies have lost sight of the Living God in our midst. Let us pray in the Renewed Hope of Easter! May His abundant mercy bring the holy transformation we so desperately need in our society today.
The Promise of Easter
The restoration of mankind begins with Jesus. In the light of His resurrection, we recognize the growth of holiness. When we look to Him, we discover all new and wonderful ways the Spirit of God shines through us, in us and with us. ‘He will send renewed knowledge according to the image of Him who created him’. (Col 3:10) His Spirit will move us forward in a fresh formation of faith!
As we begin Holy week, perhaps make time to reread the gospel stories of the first Easter. Let the Sacred Word come alive again in our hearts. Rediscover the New Hope waiting for us! Gaze at the cross, truly a place where heaven meets earth. With humble reverence, bring to Him all the brokenness of this modern world and trust in His Divine Mercy to heal it.
Let us pray for the grace to be part of the great plan of restoration of all nations and inherit the new earth God creates!
Isaiah speaks of a new heaven revealed to us in the Glory of Easter!
May we embrace it in the wondrous ways of the Risen Lord!
Alleluia!
Behold… Jesus makes all things new!
Receive the Blessings of Easter!
Until our next walk through the garden
So beautifully written Anne! Thank you for sharing God's will for us through the Holy Spirit. May all who read this fill the HOPE and protection of our Lord! Much love to you and Happy Easter!