I know of a babbling stream near the undergrowth. In winter as well as in summer, it offers its water free of charge to the flowers that grow there, to the birds and other animals that come to drink. I am also drawn by that stream. It sings of the generosity of the earth, it refreshes and relaxes me. It allows me to recover my strength, and I leave it with this feeling of wanting to give in return what I have received and what I am.

I know people who are such streams in life, at work or at play. These are ordinary but loving men and women. They give endlessly of their time, while renewing themselves constantly. Theirs is a gracious gift of life to those around them. Being in contact with them is a source of joy.

I was deeply moved one day by the mother of a severely handicapped child. I see this teacher with the children in her classroom. She is bursting with enthusiasm, so present to each pupil. She will have them sing, will invite them to draw the beautiful things in their lives. I will remember this woman as a stream who, while giving of herself, is fulfilled through her vitality and generosity.

And how many people also appear as streams to me! I can think of the hospital attendant who provided me with care and support, of this other person who develops relationships with or serves the youth, of a terminally ill person who  is so patient and smiles constantly, of a young lad anxious to support other youngsters, of a worker sharing his skills with his co-workers. I have in mind this patient and open-minded bus driver, this courteous policewoman, this fireman looking after the victims of a disaster, this politician taking the time to listen to and support disadvantaged people, this store or credit union clerk with such a generous and comforting smile. These and many others are multitaskers giving from the heart.

I also look with great admiration at the family, social and sports levels. So many young parents and retired people give themselves heart and soul, despite all opposition, in spite of life’s highs and lows and the uncertainties of their environment.  Is it not amazing that in a capitalist atmosphere promoting selfishness and every man for himself, so many people give their lives so that others may live! I admire these people and I personally feel more alive, with a renewed feeling of giving of myself. These people bring me back to life.

Could this movement of receiving and giving not be what basically characterizes the human being, as it is in the nature of the stream to receive everything free of charge and to offer it generously to any passerby? I am all the more inclined to think that I see there some collusion with Jesus of Nazareth. He states that he is receiving himself as a gift for all humans: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son » (John 3,16). And in the gospel readings, Jesus is seen as devoting all his time and attention to so many unpopular and marginalized people, but also to those who believe that they do not need others. He becomes a brother to anyone who crosses his path. He offers his friendship to all, because he wishes to spread life in abundance. It is even the meaning he gives to his own death: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. » (John 15,13).

And his disciples say from experience that his heart that was pierced on the cross is an unending stream of vitality. Each spring, when the streams give generously to fertilize our earth, those who see in Jesus God’s greatest gift to our world celebrate these days where we remind ourselves that he gave his life for us, as the grain of wheat fallen to the ground dies and yields much fruit.

Happy Easter 2010!

† Roger Ébacher
Archbishop of Gatineau
March 30, 2010