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4/12/2020 Easter 2020 The coronavirus has gripped us in its teeth, and within only weeks, left many with the sense that it would never end. We remember the pleasures of everyday life, often take so much for granted: trips to the store without fear, time spent in crowds, the hugs of friends, our children’s soccer games, crowded concerts, noisy restaurants. Is it possible to miss crowded restaurants? We can’t pretend it’s not happening, yet…
Jesus is risen – He is truly risen! Every generation, throughout human history, has its own story to tell about death and rebirth, be it rooted in financial ruin, warfare, flood or drought, tornado, violence, tyranny…or plague. Our greatest struggles all too often, betray our weaknesses: we become frightened or rebellious against restraints, we hoard, we struggle with authorities making decisions for us, we grow angry and aggravated with the people we live with, our friends, family and neighbors. Familiarity (and forced enclosure) breeds…aggravation. We can’t pretend it’s not happening, yet… Jesus is risen – He is truly risen! Jesus experiences the Passion first, death second, and only then renewed life and reunion with the Father in the Ascension. So, even on this otherwise joyful day, when we are experiencing a national passion, where many have died and many are still dying, there remains the hope of renewal and reunion, with family and friends, and with Jesus. This too may happen… Jesus is risen – He is truly risen! On the other hand, our resistance to the crisis also helps us grow immensely when, through self reflection, we refine our rough edges and recover from our relationship problems. Through our struggles, we grow stronger and find clarity as we seek new visions and purpose for our lives. How much more life giving that rebirth is when coupled with the intimate experience of God’s presence, giving renewed meaning to our sufferings, accompanying us in our struggles, and giving our hearts reason for rejoicing. This growth, too, is happening… Jesus is risen – He is truly risen! If I can give you any encouragement in this confused, unwell time, it would be to in the face of an uncertain future. It would be to cherish small joys, celebrate courageous actions and be grateful for the generous help of the essential services going on around us. Don’t wait for a trouble free, coronavirus free, aggravation free time to live fully. Choose happiness. Choose family and friends. Choose your neighborhood. Choose your co-workers. Choose life. Jesus is risen – He is truly risen! And he would have us rise, too, both here and now, from our covid ridden weeks, and on into eternity. My prayers are, of course, for your health, for a strong trust in God, and for an Easter that is joyfully full of the people who matter to you, whether in person, or on the phone, or the internet. Jesus is risen – He is truly risen! Fr. Patrick Pastor Comments are closed.
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