By  LPJ

It means love, the greatest love of all, that He should give His only son to come down to this world, suffer and die for us for our redemption – and be resurrected, God the Father reincarnated in His son Jesus. Awesome, amazing love!

Easter on this side of the world is tomorrow.  Today is what in the Philippines we call “Sabado de gloria”, and this Saturday already rings with joy in anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Indeed, it is glorious.

I browsed (again) over lovely pictures sent by my niece Karen Melodee Isaguirre, memorabilia of my recent fun vacation with my big extended family in the Philippines. I chose one picture that I share here in my Easter greeting, one that makes me think of Easter in the context of God’s power, sovereignty and benevolence in nature’s magnanimous beauty. This photo was taken in Sorsogon’s Donsol Beach resort during my travels in Bicol.

Why this picture?

Feeling like Easter — Auntie Rosie Cruz contemplating the magnanimity of God’s love in nature’s beauty in Donsol, Sorsogon (photo by Melodee Isaguirre)

Not only because of that awe-inspiring magical sunrise on the ocean’s horizon. Not only because of this jaw-dropping panoramic ocean view gifted to us from our cabin in Donsol, Sorsogon. Not only because of the dramatic silhouettes of mountains and trees. See that lovely lady on the right. That’s my Auntie Rosie (Rose Manuel Cruz, my Mama’s younger sister and widow of Eng. Ben Cruz), our Manuel matriarch in Bicol who always shines with love for all of us, whose warm and generous hospitality has made her home our favorite travel destination in Naga. Now in her eighties, see how her face radiates anticipation, enjoyment and hope as she surveys the lovely spectacle before her.

Anticipation, hope, love, joy, promise – aren’t they what Easter is all about?  All these shared with family, relatives and friends, and with all.

And Easter is so much more …. so much more … thank God for Easter!

A very happy, wonderful, love-filled Easter everyone!

Linda P. Jacob