An Easter Reflection from Sr. Ilia
Easter is a beautiful season, bursting with renewal and wonder. It reminds us of the extraordinary power of God’s love—the power to raise what is dead into new life. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a past event; it reveals our very purpose: to live renewed lives in God. Yet the path to resurrection is not one of ease. The journey Jesus walked was marked by darkness, betrayal, abandonment, and doubt. At any moment, he could have turned away; however, he remained faithful to his calling, embracing his life’s mission.
Jesus died a thousand little deaths to break open the new reign of God. He shows us that death opposes life when we refuse to live. To be fully alive, to live into the fullness of life, is to die a thousand deaths, as well. We too must be willing to walk into the conflict of injustice, the cries of the poor, the struggle of naming the powers, the loss of what feels safe and known. We must walk by the power of love alone. Only in losing our lives and shedding our protective layers can we touch the wounds of life with the healing power of love. Through every act of resistance against what divides us and sets us apart—we realize the truth of our existence—we are one.
Resurrection speaks of the present moment bathed in a new future, a new relationship with God, a new union by which life is gathered into a new creative energy of love. We too are part of this new energy when we profess, “Christ is risen!” We believe that new life is on the horizon of a new creation, a new future, a new cosmos. Fear no longer has us in its grip. We no longer fear death because we believe, wholeheartedly, that God is doing new things.
By giving ourselves over to another in love, God rises up from the darkness of possibility into the brilliance of a new reality. Our lives are transformed by the newness of God’s energetic love. It is by love alone that we shall live forever.
Happy Easter!
Sr. Ilia
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Easter season magnifies the concept that there are 2 emotions behind every thought, “fear and love” (Elizabeth Kubler -Ross, David Walsh). I believe this. Fear and Love are powerful emotions driving strong feelings with related actions. The whole body is engaged in an individual response. A response with impacts to the whole ( individual) within the Whole.
The Easter season reminds me that the Whole continues to live. It is no accident the season occurs in spring when earth renews Herself. Birds ding, nests are built, eggs laid, bunnies appear, seedlings pop-up, and trees leaf out. Mother is quite fertile.
All this to remind us that it isn’t only humanity renewing but all Creation. Every piece of soil, every plant, everything. And with this renewal we are different individual wholes.
Collectively, we have lived through experiences that have the presence to compel us towards different life affirming (resurrection) options. Options that may represent death to an old and destructive way of Being for a new response affirming Christ life within all.Our mod is to make the choice for all life.
Resurrection returns.
I learn so much from Sr Delio. Remarkable — Providential?!??? thank you!!
I read your Easter message and how one’s lifelong challenge to live in the resurrected spirit of Jesus Christ instead of in the everyday life of the flesh – is what will prevent one from being raised up (ascend with the Christos) in the love, grace and Spirit of God.
This past Lent season caused me to read the Gospels of Sts. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as to the historical events that lead up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. While common elements do exist (sharing bread and wine, betrayal, crow sightings, Mary Magdalene (first witness), descent of the Holy Spirit, etc.) there were differences as to who experience an earthquake, angelic forms, ran faster, witness an empty tomb and almost touch a wounded Jesus. The third appearance by Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias was the last meal shared with his Disciples. (The New American Bible, St. Joseph Edition)
(Note: I left out St. Paul’s Letters because he witnessed and wrote about the Risen Christ as to our lifelong preparation and as to his future second coming – Parousia.)
To me, what stood out was the actual description of the ascent of Jesus into Heaven and his future descent back onto Earth.
“This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” (Acts of Apostles 1:11)
The former witnessed primarily by the Apostles and followers. The latter witnessed by who (???) is said to be alive to see and witness the future state (???) of the Christos. Also, our billions’ of years aged universe with a rotating Sun, Moon and Stars would evolve into a state of cosmic chaos.
With this background, a visible Christ riding on a thundering cloud with Angelic support to judge those who are bestowed with the “… same blessings, graces and powers that exist among those in the heavenly realm…” (John 17: 20-26)
My question is: Given the numerous references to the word “See” by Teilhard de Chardin and the word “New” by Teilhard and yourself, my question is – what did Teilhard See (in a future state) and what was so New (yet-to-be Seen) about it?
Blessings to you, Ilia. You and your organization work tirelessly to bring the Kingdom into focus.