At the Threshold of a New Time . . .

Spring Equinox has passed, April brings wild shifts in weather and more hours of sunlight. For Christians, our Lenten journey is drawing to an end as the Passion and Easter approach. And I find myself grappling, as I do every year, with the mysteries of the Easter message: Death and Resurrection.

Each morning I have the chance to awaken and be reborn into a new day, with fresh opportunities for love and service, care and compassion. Each night is an occasion to die to the past, let go of anything that distracts or deflects me from acts of love and care toward family, friends, neighbours and strangers.

At Easter this sentiment is magnified through the devastating story of the arrest, trial, suffering, and death of Jesus, followed by his resurrection. We offer prayer and thanks that, by following this path, Jesus brought hope and healing to ourselves and to the world.

Death and Resurrection are key components of Anglicans’ spiritual expression. We employ rituals and symbols to remind us that, though life is fleeting, death brings about new life, new possibilities and new directions. We gather with palm fronds, wash feet in a symbolic act of service, reflect on the cross, and stand beside an empty tomb. We are invited to join others on a journey to gladly abandon whatever causes suffering and pain, so that we can step over a threshold and embrace new life.

This Christian narrative isn’t for everyone: it is but one way to express spirituality and live a meaningful life. At this time, I encourage you all to consider how the concepts of death and rebirth touch your lives. Do you notice elements of death and rebirth in nature? In your relationships? In your career or vocation?

Regardless of the way death and resurrection manifest themselves for you, take time to consider your present spiritual journey. Imagine the doorway, the threshold, and what will allow you to step into a new time and way of being.

Whenever I step over thresholds in my life I sing this song, and thank the Holy One for all I have received:

Wake wake from your sleep

Rise up from the dead

Rise from the waters deep

Christ in your heart and head.

Have a blessed Holy Week

David

The Rev’d David Burrows is the Incumbent Priest of the Anglican Parish of Kokanee, British Columbia, encompassing Nelson, Kaslo, and the North Shore.

This writing is a part of his weekly ‘Mountain Reflections'.