Frangipani growing in our garden
Easter is of course a focus on Christ risen from the dead and the hope and promise of eternal life gifted to each one of us. We see and enjoy signs of that life here and now in the world around us, all gifts from our benevolent Creator who gave his only Son that we might live as adopted sons and daughters. We are called to 'Choose life' in all it's manifestations.
Today we celebrate Christ's living presence among us even though we and our world are still faced with suffering and immense challenges. We with the whole Church can declare that light has overcome the darkness. Jesus is the spring of living water welling up from within us, the reason for our hope.
I think I have shared with you my recent recording of a song composed for Catholic Schools entitled which captures Easter Day in many respects and I hope the melody can sing in your hearts today and throughout the Easter Season.
We witness to his presence because he lives. We choose a life of service because he acts through us. We celebrate the life we're living because when two or more are gathered in his name he is present among us. As he is the 'Light of the World' (Te matapuna o te Ao marama) we reflect that light to one another to enlighten the dark places wherever they may be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umulMjElt48 (copy and paste this youtube link into your search engine.
Celebrate(Whakanuia)
There’s a power that unites us
It’s the Spirit of the Son
And we witness to his presence
When our voices join as one
Celebrate the life we’re living
Treasure Christian Dignity
Here we stand and join together
With our faith community
Celebrate
God’s only Son
And give praise to his name
Looking out for one another
Let Christ’s love be our guide
When we choose his life of service
He is always at our side
In our teaching and our learning
May we grow and light the way
Gift the earth the hope within us
Blessing all we do and say.
Celebrate
Who we are
One in Christ the Light of the World
Whakanuia
Ko wai tatou
Whai tatou ia Hehu
Te matapuna o te Ao marama
Celebrate (Whakanuia)
Celebrate (Te oranga)
Celebrate , Celebrate
Celebrate (Matauranga)
Celebrate (Whakapono)
Celebrate, Celebrate
Celebrate (Turangawaewae)
Celebrate (Te Ao Turoa)
Celebrate, Celebrate
Celebrate (Aotearoa)
Celebrate (Tatou katoa)
Celebrate, Celebrate
Celebrate the life we’re living
Treasure Christian Dignity
Here we stand and join together
With our faith community
Celebrate
Who we are
One in Christ, the Light of the World
Whakanuia
Ko wai tatou
Whai tatou ia Hehu
Te matapuna o te Ao marama
(A song for Catholic Schools)
Chris Skinner SM 2021