It is that time of year when we too will be glad and rejoice at the sign of the crocus coming up. We may not be in a desert but we have come through a harsh winter. The reason there is joy and gladness with the coming of spring is because we have come through the cold, snow and grayness of winter. We can hardly wait for the warmth, color and new life that comes with spring.

In many ways, the full joy of Easter only comes when we have come through the journey of Lent and the cross. Without the suffering, loss, despair and darkness of the cross, Easter with its light and new life is only the happiness of another spring and not the true light that overcomes darkness and the new life that overcomes death. Come take the Lenten journey to the cross with us, so the real joy of Easter may be yours!