Dead or Alive?

Easter arrived in all its glory. The weathermen said “Rain” but God chose weather that was lovely, sunny and quite warm after a cold and bitter winter. The flowers made an appearance in all their finery and so did I. I believe that each Easter after the sad days of Lent with their great introspection and decision-making for becoming a better person that I need to ask myself the question: What is God asking of me at this time? What can I do differently now because I am a better person for causing a little mortification in my mortal body to signify that I want to continue my work for good in the world?
And then within the week with a very heavy heart I said a final farewell to a dear friend and someone who has been with me for over 20 years. And I thought of all the things I believe about Resurrection. Can it really happen? Did it happen for her? Will it happen for me? How do I know?
First I read about Ezekiel, the prophet in chapter 37 and the Negro Spiritual that was written by a faith-filled people, “Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones…” They are going to get up and dance and walk around and how they are all connected. “The toe bone is connected to the foot bone” and so on.
The bones connect and disconnect in a rhythmic melody ending with “I hear the word of the Lord.” St. Paul updates this idea of God who seems in the bible to open graves at random and bring people back to life. In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans in the New Testament, Paul writes, “For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:8) Oh, God, this is such a great consolation for me. Strengthen my faith; help me to believe in Ezekiel’s words, “I have promised, and I will do it, says the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:14)