resurrection and light

I didn’t know how to set altars for Easter, and I didn’t have the items I needed in order to put anything together, or so I thought. I set two altars that I love, and putting all the elements together is prayer. When I started putting things together, especially as I was making a wreath for Mary (which will be a post for another time), I realized that I could do this.

I’ve never been fond of flowers. The only flowers I’ve ever really liked were roses (which I love), and marigolds. It wasn’t until just a year or two ago that I learned that both these flowers were flowers associated with Mother Mary, and it made sense as to why I liked them. I didn’t know Mother Mary until about two years ago either, and I never thought I’d have any kind of relationship with her, but I’m thankful that I know her, and thankful for all the times I appreciated beautiful roses, it made me realize she was there for me long before I knew her.

my spring marian altar

Things have been intense for me the past two years for me spiritually. I’ve processed a lot of things that I have done, and a lot of things done to me. I’ve had to face my own evil, and come to Jesus in sorrow and repentance. I’ve confessed sins committed long ago that were holding me back, I’ve amended my life and continue to do so. I’ve stared my deepest, darkest secrets in the face, and asked for healing.

While I was setting the altars with all their colors, and flowers, and beauty, it struck me that the reason I had not been able to do this before was because even while I was putting these out, the light is scary. I’ve lived in the dark and I had grown accustomed to the dark. Walking in the light…that’s not something I’m used to and it makes me uncomfortable.

To tell the truth, the light is frightening to one who has been in the dark for so long. The light of Christ, which I’m thankful for, is still something that I’m adjusting to. It’s not as easy as it sounds, and with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, I’m now to walk in the light of Christ and his resurrection. This is healing, and this is repentance.

The light of Christ
Thanks be to God

Alleluia, Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed, alleluia!

Published by MaryClare StFrancis

MaryClare StFrancis is a writer who sounds as boring as hell but who is intimately acquainted with the horrific and the sacred. For a long time, darkness has been her friend, but she now walks in the light of Christ. As a committed Episcopalian, her main contribution to the church is her ability to make the priests facepalm or swear, depending on the day and context. MaryClare has a Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing and lives in Mississippi with her four children.

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