Happy Easter!
The theme of our Easter candle this year is the Tree of Life, inspired by the antiphon from the Liturgy of the Hours, “See how the cross of the Lord stands revealed as the tree of life.” It was designed, carved, and painted by one of our sisters.
The tree grows out from the Lord’s cross, now gold and studded with red incense nails representing his glorious wounds. The tree is hung with ripe, golden fruit which traditionally symbolize the virtues. Sitting in the tree are a phoenix and a peacock, both ancient symbols of the resurrection. The phoenix is a mythical creature which was believed to live for five hundred years, and at the end of its life would burst into flames and be reborn from the ashes.
The peacock, on the other hand, is a real creature most of us have seen it all its glorious plumage, whether at the zoo or wandering wild. In ancient times, it was believed that the flesh of the peacock would never decay, also leading to a symbolism of the resurrection. However, beyond mythological and legendary attributes, the peacock symbolizes the resurrection in another way. Each year, the peacock sheds its tail feathers in its natural molting process and grows new feathers, longer and even more beautiful.
While Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden and driven away from the Tree of Life, Christ’s victory over sin and death has won for us the privilege to draw near and to eat its fruit.
Happy Easter! May the Risen Christ fill you with his peace!
