A Glow of Light

by Sr. Margaret Hoffman, SNDdeN

beeAfter the solemnity of Lent, Easter Week unfolds in a glow of light with the fragrance of lilies and spring flowers to renew hope and refresh the soul. The mourning doves are back claiming their nest by the front door–new life soon to emerge.

Our worldview does not change with the turning of a calendar page or an inspiring liturgy. But we Christians do change. Over time we learn in prayer and reflection to take a longer view of events. Our feelings of hope originate in our belief in the power of an all-loving God present to a suffering world. Our hope also derives from our understanding that we must act to change what is misguided and out of sync with true Christian values.

Christ has entered intimately into human suffering and triumphed over it. We trust him to understand and to support us in the varying ways that we and others experience violence, pain and unfulfilled hopes. We cannot possibly know the power of the healing effects of our prayer and action for the immigrant family and the trafficked child, but we believe in it.

The Resurrection mystery reminds us that with God's grace we can and do make a difference in the lives of family members and friends, in the conflicts of our country and our world.