Happy Easter!! At the beginning of Lent, it seems like Easter is never going to arrive, we are just going to be waiting forever. All of a sudden, it’s Holy Week and there are so many services to attend. Each is different and beautiful in it’s own way, but if you attend them all you may find yourself exhausted come Monday morning. (Do you think that’s why other countries have Easter Monday off?)
The arrival of Easter means we can be joyful again, give up our fasting and dance in the wonder of the sacrifice given for us. This year during the different services, Holy Thursday, the seven last words, and the Easter vigil, all of the priests, deacons, and even the Pope talked about Jesus in a very human way.
During the Friday service, the priests and deacons related one of the seven last words of Jesus, not only to the context of the moment in time, but also to modern times- what it might mean for me. One reflection about the thieves being crucified with Jesus struck me. One thief repents and the other does not. Both know that they did something wrong, but only one of them asks for forgiveness and it is granted. Moral? I can also ask for forgiveness and receive that grace.
Jesus died for our sins. He brings us from darkness into light. He continues to guide our paths- we even have a guidebook! The first Christians had no such luck. I need to be better about reading it. (I’m sure that I am not alone).
Pope Francis proclaimed in his homily, “Let us lift our eyes to him and ask that the power of his resurrection may roll away the heavy stones that weigh down our souls.” Today and this Easter season, I give thanks for all the blessings in my life and I pray that God lifts anything that is weighing on my soul. Will you join me?
