Easter Joy

I was recently gifted a bouquet of flowers from dear friends; a vibrant bouquet of many colours – very obviously dyed flowers. They lasted quite some time; but as the days progressed, the water began to turn an interesting shade of icky – as the dye was emerging from the stems back into the water. Some of the colours lasted longer than others; the pink were the least resilient, the orange and yellow endured longer.

The flowers were real; the colours were not authentic. Regardless; they were intended to bring joy, and they did!

The joy of Easter could be considered like these flowers… Easter is a time of joy and celebration. And whatever our traditions and experiences, we can find joy in our lives and we can share joy in our world.

But the nature of the joy may differ greatly; as for some the days will be full of short-lived and engineered happiness: the egg hunts will end, the sugar highs will wear off, the perfect (?) meal will eventually be done (and even the leftovers eaten), the matching-outfit photo shoot will provide a great memory of one day.
These things are like the dye in the flowers – meant to enhance a holiday, but recognised for the earthly delights that they are.

The true joy of the season, however, will remain with us. As our spiritual lives bloom like flowers, for all the world to see. The authentic joy of the Resurrection does not need enhancements or augmentations, for it endures forever.

So as we return to the Alleluias and embrace this glorious season of Easter, let’s also remember that we are Easter people – living the authentic and awe-inspiring reality of the Risen Christ that brings joy (more than we can ask or imagine!) to every one, every day.