From the Friars: The Rising of the Son
When God created the universe He knew the whole story, beginning to end. And He designed everything that He made to reveal Himself and His eternal plan to unite all things in Jesus. Every morning the sun rises in the east. Psalm 19 speaks of the heavens proclaiming the glory of God and specifically how the sun comes forth like a bridegroom from his tent and runs his course like a champion. The early Church saw here a cosmic symbol of the Incarnation, Resurrection and second coming of Our Lord.
Jesus Resurrected
During our daily morning prayer time, I often walk a few times around the South Common. This past Monday of Holy Week, which happened to be March 25th, I was blessed to see the magnificent full moon sinking in the western sky as the sun rose in the east. The beauty of the moon is a symbol of Our Blessed Mother, who reflects perfectly the infinite Beauty and Light of her Divine Son.
March 25th is normally the Solemnity of the Annunciation, postponed this year until April 8th. This Feast celebrates the moment of the Incarnation, when Mary said yes to the Divine invitation to be the Mother of God. The full moon symbolizes her complete receptivity and self-gift to the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, at the moment when the Word became flesh.
The sixth mystery of the Franciscan Crown Rosary is this appearance of the Risen Lord to Our Lady. This is a deeply intimate moment of joy for two people who love each other more than we are able to understand. The glorified face of the Light of the World is mirrored in the adoring eyes of the Immaculate Conception, the source of all that is good and its perfect reflection. The rising sun and the full moon point us to this encounter also.
Lastly, the people of God now look east with longing hearts for the coming again in glory of our Risen Savior, surrounded by His angels and saints, with the Holy Queen at His right hand. This will be the ultimate and final sunrise and full moon.
He is truly Risen. Alleluia!
–Fr. Peter