Peace

Happy Easter sisters and brothers in Christ: 

Early yesterday morning as the dawn began to break, I went outside to refill our bird feeder. Our feathered friends were anxiously awaiting their breakfast, snuggled in the winter weathered brambles that afford them protection from the elements. Most of the brambles are made up of northern kiwi whose vines seem to have a mind of their own, weaving twisted and beautiful patterns and shapes almost randomly. In one section of the brambles, there is a deep hollow which looks like a cave. Right in front of this hollow stands a small Magnolia tree. Against the backdrop of the dried brambles, this little Magnolia tree has sprung flowers that are as white as fresh fallen snow. This is the only tree in all of Dunblane Farm that has truly blossomed. Yesterday as I approached the hollow, I knew that I was walking directly into a thin place, on purpose and with purpose. As the darkness receded I looked at the Magnolia tree and it reminded me of an angel. And the deep hollow in the brambles was not unlike an empty tomb with the stone rolled away. This was my Easter moment. I thought about how courageous Mary Magdalene was when she braved the dark and dangerous streets of Jerusalem to go find her Lord. I stared at the Magnolia tree for what seemed to be a very long time. And an incredible and undefinable sense of peace swept over me. By this time the dozens upon dozens of birds awaiting their breakfast struck up a chorale that was simply beautiful. After refilling the bird feeder, I headed back inside to get ready to drive to church for Easter Sunday services. The Holy Spirit moved me to stop and look back. At the base of the Magnolia tree were three bunnies who are regulars at Dunblane. They seemed not afraid of me. And looking into the deep hollow in the brambles, I was reminded that the empty tomb was never really empty. Jesus was, Jesus is, and Jesus will always be.

The Easter services unfolded as they should. That is the beauty of the resurrection morning. 

When I got home I went for a walk through our wild meadow, and I was closely followed by Jack Frost. And I mean closely followed. He nearly tripped me half a dozen times. Jack Frost is a delightful tomcat who appeared seemingly out of nowhere, but he has taken Dunblane by storm. He was delighted because there were butterflies flying lazily in the breeze , and he did his best to catch them, with no luck. After our walk, I found Jack Frost fast asleep on the old wooden steps, breathing softly with not a care in the world. As it should be. He was at peace. 

We all seek peace. We yearn for it. We are undergoing unprecedented times where it seems that peace is unattainable . The prayer of St Francis is under assault, but it shall withstand those things that try to shackle peace.

Take heart sisters and brothers. 

We are called to be instruments of God's peace. 

Our little reflection group speaks for all that is good in life, those things that bring joy to the human condition. 

Love 

Pardon

Faith

Hope

Light

Joy

My prayer for us this afternoon is that we continue seeking peace in our lives. That we remember that the Risen Christ stands amongst us. 

We are never alone. 

Peace

Paz

Pax 

Shalom

Namaste

Let us pray 

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life, to serve you is perfect freedom. Defend us your servants from the assault of our enemies, that we may trust in your defence, and fear not the power of any adversaries, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen 

Que Diosito me los colme de bendiciones y alegria siempre

Paz 

I love you 

John