It’s a joy to believe that spring is here. The buds of the jewel-like crocuses are emerging in the University Parks and gardens. In the early morning you can now hear the optimistic birdsong of robins, blackbirds and thrushes singing loudly to herald the new day. Even in front of the south porch of St Mary’s our marvellous old almond tree, full of character with its twisted branches, is beginning to bloom into pretty pink tiny blossoms. The strong pink buds (which look like cherry blossom) are one of the first signs of spring time in the High Street.

And it’s only when the days get lighter and the shoots of new life appear that we can look back and see the effects of the long winter and our sense of release from the cold days and dark nights. Seasons matter: they pace us through the year, like our liturgical calendar, and define our relationship with nature itself. In some ways spring is unique in that it conjures up for us the theme of rebirth, ongoing hope, love and renewal. I am reminded of words from the Song of Solomon where poetry, spring and adoration are all combined:

"My beloved responded and said to me, 'Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, And come along. For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land; The time has arrived for pruning the vines, And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.”

Let us never forget how blessed we are to live in a city where we can catch these early signs of life’s annual renewal and awakening. By taking time to walk through the parks, open one’s eyes and senses, we might get a glimpse of the Divine manifest in the natural beauty which surrounds us.