Easter and
the inner rebirth
Neil Starkie, GM Strategic Partnerships and Growth
Have you ever thought about how the seasons reflect the message of Easter?
For our northern hemisphere friends, Easter is celebrated near the Spring Equinox where the balance between light and shadow shifts in favour of the sunlight. The start of Spring seamlessly lends itself to the Easter message of new beginnings, as trees and flowers begin to once again bloom, animals come out of hibernation and new ones are birthed, and the singsong of birdlife ripples through the air.
Here in the southern hemisphere, Easter occurs near the Autumn Equinox, which is also a season of transformation with a crispness in the air, the changing colour of leaves on the trees, and the first autumn rains. But while our days of feeling the warm sun on our face begin to dwindle, the true sense of rebirth is not based on our external surroundings, rather our inner spiritual selves.
As we reflect on Christ’s life, death and resurrection throughout Holy Week, we come to celebrate the triumph of life over death, of freedom from sin, and of reconciliation over estrangement. This time of new beginnings and renewal reminds us that no matter how dark or challenging our circumstances may seem, there is always hope for a brighter future. It is this hope and these celebrations – no matter how big or small – that we at St Bart’s are privileged to work towards alongside the consumers in our services every day.
As we reflect on the Easter message in this season of changing colours and falling leaves, let us be reminded that just as the earth experiences cycles of death and rebirth, so too do our lives. May we embrace the opportunities for growth and transformation that come with each new season, trusting in the promise of new life that Easter brings. Living with this sense of newness allows us to see the world through new eyes – God’s eyes – where we can embrace joy and live without fear.
May we also remember the importance of love, compassion, and unity, as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus. May these values guide our interactions with others and inspire us to work towards a better world.
We wish everyone a blessed and joyous Easter.
For more information about St Bart’s, please visit stbarts.org.au or get in touch with us by calling 9323 5100.
