An Easter prayer of renewal

For most of us, New Year’s Day is a chance to begin anew. New diet. New exercise regime. New promises to quit bad habits.

But today, Easter Sunday, offers a much more solemn call for renewal. The resurrection of Jesus set forth the possibility of spiritual rebirth for Christians everywhere.

We have nothing against physical improvement. Our country is in caloric crisis, leading to health problems that break hearts and add to the burden of a massive national debt that threatens the well-being of future generations. We hope you’re sticking to those New Year’s resolutions, and that the better body you might be admiring in the mirror reflects a healthier future for you and those you love.

But today we’re looking beyond skin deep.

Today is all about the soul.

What do your spiritual eyes see? Do they see the essence of a person who is kind, generous and thoughtful? Who admits to imperfection and abhors hypocrisy? Who holds honesty among the greatest of virtues? Who tries to shine light when seemingly everywhere else is dark?

Do they see someone who judges not, lest he be judged?

As we gather with family and enjoy our Easter feast, we’ll offer a prayer that today marks a new beginning, the opening of a window of renewal for all willing to breathe deeply of that opportunity.

And we’ll pray that it reaches epidemic proportions.