Easter Renewal.

"They that sow in tears will reap in joy. Though he goeth on his way weeping, bearing forth the seed; He shall come again with joy, bringing his sheaves with him" Psalm 126:5-6

Easter day dawns and Christians everywhere of all different denominations celebrate the resurrection, whether that is understood as a literal, historical event, or conceived of as a powerful and inspiring allegory.

With the discovery of the empty tomb a process began, which saw a remarkable strengthening of resolve in the hearts of Jesus' followers who only a few days earlier were consumed with grief, guilt and fear.

This day of Easter gives us all a priceless opportunity to begin anew,to put fear and lethargy aside, to regain our inspiration and dedicate ourselves once more, to a life lived by the lessons taught so very long ago, but still so relevant today. And what better way can there be to celebrate Easter that to cleave to the following words attributed to Jesus:

"A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you,
that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another."
John 13:34-35

May our Divine Father grant you all a peaceful, holy and joyful Easter.

Happy the souls who first believed,-
to Jesus and each other cleaved,-
Joined by the spirit from above,
In mystic fellowship of love.

On God they cast their every care,
Sheltered beneath the wings of prayer
They all were of one heart and soul,
And only love inspired the whole.

O what an age of golden days!
O what a choice and holy race!
Where shall we wander now to find
The faithful they have left behind?

Ye different sects, who all declare
Lo! here is christ, or christ is there!
Your claim alas! ye cannot prove;
Ye want the genuine mark of love.

Scattered, O Lord, thy servants lie,
Till Thou collect them with thine eye,-
Draw by the music of Thy name,
And charm into a beauteous frame.

Join every soul that looks to Thee
In bonds of perfect charity;
Greatest of gifts, Thy love impart,
And make us of one mind and heart.
Charles Wesley (From James Martineau's collection "Hymns of Praise and Prayer".