The Paschal Mystery In Your Life

0514da9e-1cf0-4b5b-9302-457b1fe33244 (image/jpg)

The Paschal Mystery In Daily Life

The Paschal Mystery is a part of our everyday life. it is the undercurrent of all that we do and all that we are. What does this mean? How do I experience the Paschal Mystery? How does it affect me on a day-to-day basis?  How do I become aware of its presence in my life in a real way and not just something I know about?

Caption: : The Crucifixion on Calvary also known as Golgotha (Hill of the Skulls)

The Seasons of Nature

What does this mean? How do I experience the Paschal Mystery? How does it affect me on a day-to-day basis? How do I become aware of its presence in my life in a real way and not just something I know about?For example, we experience the process of dying and rising each year as we go through the different seasons. Summer is a time of vibrancy and life, which then gives way to fall, when leaves on the trees die and fall away and many plants seem to die. 

6f6c1e8e-96f0-494a-9a4e-b159383282d5 (image/jpg)

Caption: : cbsnews.com photo of California Forestry

aa99b195-3668-4b03-8ebf-4f7eb911a896 (image/jpg)

The Seasons of Nature 

     Winter comes and with it the frost and chill that seem to halt all growth and life. But after winter, when it seemed as if everything had died away, spring arrives.      New life surrounds us. Daffodils and crocuses begin to push through the once-frozen ground. The bare branches of trees begin to show signs of new leaves.

Caption: : Spring Reflects the Risings & New Growth in Life

aa65151b-3e83-4c69-a85a-283b896ba3d3 (image/jpg)

Caption: : Controlled Burn Paves The Way For New Growth

The Paschal Mystery In Nature

     Another example within nature is a process that many park rangers use—a controlled burn. Certain areas are purposefully set on fire in order to improve the habitat for plants and wildlife.      It's hard to believe that from the charred tree trunks and withered, blackened brush can come a healthy ecosystem with stronger trees and plants. But that's exactly what happens.

     We are a part of nature too. Not only do we experience the seasons and see the process of dying and rising, we also have our own dyings and risings. Sometimes these are obvious—for example, a grandparent dies or a baby is born.      But other dyings and risings are less obvious. An experience of dying might be when you have an argument with a friend that leaves you feeling upset, or you see a homeless mother and child and don't know what to do to help. 

The Paschal Mystery In Your Life

7fb95344-bac9-4f51-a9b9-d440a1dbfd6b (image/jpg)

Caption: : Misunderstandings At Its Worst

The Paschal Mystery In Your Life

     An experience of rising might be reconciling with someone you hurt or who hurt you;                Talking with your family about the homeless mother and child and discovering that an organization like the St. Vincent de Paul Society has the people and the resources to care for people who are homeless;     Getting a good grade on a test or quiz      These are some of the dyings and risings that we experience every day.

12250a5d-2500-4e89-8868-8831fceb872e (image/jpg)

Caption: : Hard Work Pays Off In Good Results!

     Now when we look at the Paschal Mystery in the context of our religious beliefs and the life of Jesus Christ, we come to a deeper meaning of dying and rising.      Jesus Christ's passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension are the ultimate event of dying and rising, of death and new life. We learn from Jesus that new life can come from death, that we can find meaning in tough times, that there really is light in the darkness.      We learn that all life has this rhythm of dying and rising and that God is with us in good times and in bad.

54664522-5657-468c-8cc5-cd2f32d3530c (image/jpg)

Caption: : "I Can Do All Things In Him Who Strengthens Me." Phil.4:13

Jesus' Life Is The Greatest Example

New Life After Death

b9361bd1-354e-45a1-a969-26eb60a48ae9 (image/jpg)

     Christ's experience of suffering, death, and new life has forever changed us and given us a different way of living. Death no longer has the last word.             Plus, when we encounter tough times, we have the comfort of knowing that God has “been there, done that” and the power of hope that new life will come from death.       Becoming conscious of our own dyings and risings helps us have a greater sense of compassion for others and a greater willingness to reach out.

Caption: : "Death no longer has any power over Him." Romans 6:9

Have You Experienced Dying and Risings?

cc7e3b64-3f6e-4f39-b531-a129afb59fea (image/jpg)

Caption: : "Ask, Seek, Knock..." Mt. 7:7-8 Source: http://www.loyolapress.com/the-paschal-mystery-in-everyday-life.htm