New Life and New Beginnings
As we approach the celebration of Easter, we’ve been thinking a lot about new life and new beginnings.
Though it may seem counterintuitive, sometimes it takes the death of one thing to bring new life to another. When pruning a garden, for example, we cut off pieces of our plants, sometimes to the point of them looking barren. However, it is the death of those branches or stems that actually causes the plant to be able to flourish, to grow bigger, fuller, and more beautiful.
We read in 1 Corinthians 15: “For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life…” Jesus’ death and Resurrection allow us to be free, to flourish, and to live life to the fullest, for the glory of God.
This spring, we want to encourage you to embrace a spirit of new beginnings and new growth in your own lives. If there is something holding you back from being the best version of yourself, you may need to do a little pruning. You might have to ditch some old habits, attitudes, or situations in order to grow and flourish. Even though growth can be painful, it is essential for us to be able to unlock our full potential as women and children of God.
Let’s follow the advice of St. Catherine of Siena when she says, “Start being brave about everything, driving out darkness and spreading light as well. Don’t look at your weakness, but realize that in Christ crucified you can do everything.”
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The History of the Easter Lily
The Easter Lily can be seen in churches and homes throughout the spring time, especially at Easter. But what is the significance of this particular flower?
The Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum) holds a rich history steeped in symbolism and tradition. Legend has it that the lilies grew in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Crucifixion and were said to have bloomed where drops of Christ's sweat fell during his agony. The white, trumpet-like flower was thought to symbolize both Jesus' purity and triumph over death.
Native to the southern islands of Japan, this elegant white lily was not introduced to the Western hemisphere until the 1800s. After almost dying out completely, a WWI soldier reintroduced the species to the United States when he returned home from the war. Easter lilies came into great demand in the United States during this period for a couple of reasons. One was that the flowers could be forced into bloom during the Easter season, and the other was that, over the past several centuries, the blooms had become a popular Christian symbol associated with Mary, Joseph and many other saints. It is sometimes called the Madonna Lily, after the Blessed Mother.
With such profound associations and their ability to grow during springtime, the Easter Lily became synonymous with purity, renewal, and the hope of the Resurrection: the perfect flower for the Easter season. The tradition of gifting and adorning churches with Easter Lilies took root, spreading across cultures and denominations. Today, the Easter Lily stands as a poignant symbol of joy, hope, and the promise of new beginnings.
Filling the Easter Feast with Life and Beauty
Easter is one of the most important feasts of the whole year, and it can be tricky to come up with ways to honor the celebration appropriately.
When prepping for a sacred feast, some of the things to consider include the guests, the food, and the ambiance of the event. With Easter in particular, we find that light, color, music, and tradition can really elevate this celebration and make it as joyful and bright as it should be.
Our suggestions for your Easter celebration:
1. Make it bright (literally)
Add lots of candles to your table to make it feel warm, inviting, and festive.
2. Embrace tradition
Whether it’s an easter egg hunt, dancing to traditional Easter songs, or dressing in special colors, focus on embracing Easter traditions- or maybe making some new ones. Do some research on your country of origin and see how people from that country celebrate Easter.
3. Make a festive meal
There are many traditional Easter dishes to break out on this holiday. Many people have lamb or some sort of roast, potatoes, and vegetables. Try making an Easter bread or cake to shake up this year’s feast!
4. Create a joyful atmosphere
Bring joy to the feast by adding in some fun music and big smiles. If it would reduce stress, try to prepare the day before or delegate as much as you can so that once the celebration begins, you can participate fully in it.
We hope you have a blessed and beautiful Easter with your families!
