Before the snow hit this past weekend, I noticed a tiny crocus flower sticking its head through a pile of dead leaves remaining from last fall. Leaning down, this simple sign of spring – of new life coming through the dead and decaying matter from last year – made me smile. It gave me hope that, alas, spring would come…soon.
This past Sunday in worship, it’s as if we were given a tiny crocus flower sticking its head through the barrenness of Lent. In our Scripture readings, we heard two stories foreshadowing the coming life of Easter. In our Old Testament reading, Ezekiel prophesy to the valley of dry bones, and suddenly the bones were connected together, with sinews covering them. And with the breath of the Spirit, the bones came to life, walking on their own two feet. And in our Gospel reading, Jesus calls Lazarus to come forth from his tomb. Though still bound by strips of cloth, Lazarus experiences the resurrection that Jesus himself will experience.
Both of these readings stare death in the face. And at the same time, both of these readings offer the hope, and the promise, of new life.
So before launching into Holy Week next Sunday, take this last full week of Lent to take stock of what’s around you: where do you notice signs of death, and where do you experience “death”? And, where do you notice signs of resurrection, and where are you experiencing “resurrection”?
Much as we’d like to only focus on resurrection, death and resurrection go hand-in-hand. So challenge yourself to embrace both this week, as we hold onto the hope that indeed, Easter (and spring!) are coming soon.