Life’s Return
By Matthew Frizzell of Lamoni, IA, USA
And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigns. -Mosiah 11:207
Resurrection is a spiritual reality whose evidence is all around us.
We are surrounded by testimonies to resurrection. Whether it’s the banishment of darkness by each new sunrise, winter turned to spring, or the personal decision to live again in the face of true despair, resurrection is an open secret. Resurrection is the miracle that death is not the truth of life.
In Genesis 2:7 human life begins with God breathing spirit into dirt. Adam, whose names comes from the Hebrew word adamah, referring to red earth, came to life with the breath of God and work of God’s hands. This story provides background to understand life’s true source and inevitable return.
Death is not the end of life because we humans are not its source or author. Humans can procreate. We can preserve and nurture life. But we cannot author it. We experience death because we are creatures, not life’s creators. We are not life’s true source.
Life can mean little more than survival. It can also thrive in relationships, learning and intelligence, service and work, love and creativity. In these, we are co-creators with God. We shape life as its stewards. But it’s not our breath that gives life essence and being. Only God is that.
Resurrection is the word we give to the eternal, indomitable, and self-giving Spirit which authors life and brings forth new life. Resurrection is the key to understanding life because death is not its final meaning.
Resurrection is a mystery whose power arises out the darkness and despair of death, which is unavoidable in life. But the darkness and despair of death are not life’s end. They are but moments in life’s passage. Resurrection is life’s return and our return to life.
Prayer Phrase
Spirit, now live in me.
Spiritual Practice
Breathe deeply and enter a few minutes of silence. Be attentive to where you sense new life emerging in you. Search your memories of the previous day. When did you notice the sacredness of life in surprising places or forms in the world around you?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
