From darkness to the promise of new life in Easter

Embrace this beautiful season of hope, happiness and joy. Remember, through darkness light does come!

When I met with my spiritual advisor recently, I told her that the season of Lent has gotten away from me. I don’t feel I have given much during this sacred time of the year. I feel I have wasted my time.

And so I shared with her just what has had my attention, my emotions, these last several weeks.

My office in Orland Park, Illinois, is on the third floor. Therefore, I am overlooking other homes and yards within the area. A few weeks back as I drove into the garage, before I was able to lower the door, I heard my name being called. It was the neighbor who lives across the street from us. “Sister, do you have minute?”

I really don’t know these neighbors. Our relationship has been a smile, a wave and how are things going? She went on to say that they have been evicted from their home. They had fallen behind in their rent for several months and they had no money. I asked her where they would go. She said she had no idea because they can’t afford anything. We talked for a few more minutes, but there really was nothing I could say to ease her pain. She asked me why was God doing this to them! It was not the time for me to say that God was not doing this to them. At that moment all I could do was wish her well and assure her of my love and prayers.

As the days passed they kept packing and driving their boxes to a storage place. I kept thinking of the deep darkness that she and her friend were living. Being evicted. Being rejected. Feeling even family had turned their backs on them. Talk about despair! At this moment it matters not that I know the whole story. I am sure there is much more to know. What matters is watching two people who once smiled and held their heads up high now walking with their heads lowered. With no smile. Talk about having your dignity stripped away.

Their house is now empty and dark. The life that was once seen is no more.

Through darkness light

It has been said, “Through much darkness, light will come.” Not the same way as before, but through this pain new growth and a new beginning will be on the horizon. It cannot be seen or felt at this time, but it will happen.

This story is a version of Christ’s suffering and death more than 2,000 years ago, only we are watching it unfold in the 21st century. As this couple drove away from the home they have known, I prayed that they would experience a Resurrection within their lives.

That’s the beauty of this Easter story. It is lived and experienced every day of our lives. Jesus Christ modeled to the world: Joy will be had. Suffering will be experienced. Sickness will be felt. The love of family and friends will be honored and reverenced during our journey on this earth. But on the third day … we will experience our Resurrection — Alleluia — with the one who showed us the way!

Embrace this beautiful season of hope, happiness and joy. Remember, through darkness light does come!