The world recently witnessed the consecration of the splendidly renovated Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. It is a story of “rising-from-ashes” that spoke to the gift of hope in Christ. The earliest cathedrals were the worship spaces of monks who lived a life of seclusion and holy darkness. As the Holy Spirit moved in the hearts of those responsible for designing the new Gothic structures, darkness gave way to more and more light shining through grand stained-glass windows. The earliest example would be St. Denis and then Notre Dame where the recent renovation seems to welcome even more light.
The Resurrection of Christ is a moment of brilliant light so overwhelming that that it blinds those guarding the tomb and knocks them off their feet. That glorious moment enlightens the hearts of all believers because they realize that Christ is victorious over sin and death. Like the rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral, Easter teaches that we can rise from our own ashes and live forever with Christ who is our Light.
I pray that Easter and the 50 days of the Easter Season will brighten every day of your life.
Happy Easter!
