Some time after Jesus’ resurrection, John has a vision of “a new heaven and a new earth”, “the holy city... coming down from God out of heaven, as beautiful as a bride.” How do I imagine this? What is God saying to me as I gaze?
What is different about this new creation that John sees? What is at the centre of it? Love. Love
reveals the new heaven and the new earth. Love moves us towards justice, engagement in the world, and participation in the beauty of God’s creation. Love is what makes God present in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. Jesus’ commandment to love one another is about preparing for and also participating in resurrection life here and now. How do I live as a resurrection person now?
The Easter season can be an annual
affirmation of our ongoing resurrection from violence to peace, from fear to faith, from hostility to love, from consumption to stewardship and generosity, from death to life.
Love is less about feelings and more about choice. As Jesus’ disciples, we choose to love because the mark of Jesus’ disciples is their love for one another. This love is seen in action! Then we can see clearly that God is present, and, with John, in his vision,
see “the One sitting on the throne” and hear our Holy One speaking, “Now I am making the whole of creation new.”
What is my vision of the new creation?
Will I let it start with me?
Reflections by Kath Knowles
