Now the green blade rises from the buried grain,
What that in dark earth many days has lain;
Love lives again, that with the dead has been;
Love is come again like wheat arising green.
----- Now the Green Blade Rises

It may still be Lent—and, therefore, a little early to be thinking about Easter—but in the mean time, other signs of rebirth are occurring all around us. Spring has sprung, treating us to some truly beautiful days in the last week. Sure, there's still the occasional cold patch, but the sun is shining, the crocuses are blooming, and we're feeling more awake and alive than we have in months.

To celebrate the improving weather, my wife and I recently decided to explore the Lawrenceville Hopewell Trail, which runs just past our home and can be accessed from various points within driving distance from the church. The trail, currently unfinished in a few of its eastern sections, combines and encompasses several local trail systems, historic sites (including the Lawrenceville Poll Farm, a handful of mid-sized bodies of water, and the Hunt House) into one scenic tour across the two towns. As we strolled, we noticed the signs of new life springing up all around us: flowers bursting through the underbrush of dead leaves, birds everywhere, the occasional squirrel, all shaking off the stupor of winter and readying themselves for a new time of warmth and life.

Dear Lord, as Lent comes to a close, help us to shake off its residual dregs and fully embrace the new Spring of your resurrected Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Contributed by Michael
Monday March 14, 2016
Liturgical Year C: Week 16
Liturgical Color: purple
Sunday Gospel reading: cLent5
Fifth Sunday in Lent