The readings today speak of the power of wind and water.  Early peoples worshipped "the God of the Elements."  Christians saw this as a name of the One God, while other religions prayed to a variety of gods of wind, water, earth, sky, etc.  Is it any wonder? They were just trying to understand and be close to a God who controlled the Universe.

Jesus' peers, whether apostles, disciples or those who contested him, saw signs and wonders.  They too wanted to understand, "is this God?"  His behaviors of love and compassion, his gifts of healing, hospitality and acting  justly were extraordinary then and would be now.  Jesus' answer to questions of his identity provoked people to look deeply into their hearts for the presence of a Spirit of love and compassion.

Jesus' Resurrection proved his identity as Son of God to the early Christian community.  This rooted their belief in Jesus and ability to witness to his word.  They lived in community as Jesus taught them, a community built on the beatitudes.

Easter, recently celebrated by Christians, reminds us of Jesus' identity as Son of God.  We can see the power of Resurrection in life.  Look at the changing heart of America where people are more friendly.  Is this just 9-ll or moreso the power of God?  When we experience grief and loss, we realize the depth of our love.  That love impels us to reach out to others.  That is Resurrection Power, the Spirit alive among us as well as within us.

When you see spring bursting forth in new flowers, think of the Resurrection.  I pray for the Spirit of Resurrection in my and our lives.