All told the lily might not be the best Easter symbol. It springs up quickly all right, to remind us of the resurrection. But the lily flower also dies as quickly as it rises. Its’ beauty is so short lived, you barely have time to appreciate it. Hardly the way of Easter and the resurrection. Though that’s how many think of Easter. Once a year and then back to the old grind. But then again, a lot of work goes into growing a lily; it needs shelter, water, food, good soil and tending. A lot like faith really, that particular seed also needs minding.
It’s one reason why Christians gather every Sunday in memory and anticipation of the resurrection. The Saturday Vigil Mass owes its origins to the prayerful night-long watch of early Christians. You see “the resurrection of the body and life everlasting” prayed in the Creed is so central to faith, it needs time in prayer and reflection to unpack.
They say that there are three questions we all ask of ourselves at one time or another, "Where do I come from?" "Why am I here?" and "Is it really necessary to leave?" Most of us wish we didn't have to say "Yes" to the third, but we do. Easter means because He lives, we also shall live. A reason for living and our hope in dying.
(Comments to Tom at stmarysrcathlone@oceanfree.net )