Easter people in the midst of a pandemic

Lent came to us this year in the form of a pandemic. We have been sheltering in place to protect ourselves and others. We have heard the numbers of cases here and around the world. We have seen the empty store shelves. We have seen the long lines at food pantries. We have been living Lent.

As we prepare to celebrate Easter we first remember the Triduum. The Last Supper, the death on the cross and finally the celebration of the resurrection.

Because the Triduum will be celebrated without us coming together in person, perhaps we can celebrate the Last Supper with a creatively made meal with those with whom you live. Celebrate the gathering of the family. Reflect on the journey to the cross and the burdens you have carried during this time of distance from others – did Jesus feel this burden of separation? As Jesus was laid in the tomb, reflect not on the sadness of death but the promise of the resurrection. On Easter morning, rise to see the sun shine and breathe in the spring air – the breath of life.

We did begin Lent in the form of a pandemic. But through it the earth has had time to breathe, to cleanse the air of the carbon dioxide. We have seen the beauty of Christ within people. We have heard the singing from the balconies of Italy, the handclaps of grateful people in New York for their health care frontline workers, the essential workers, the foodservice deliveries. We have seen the beauty of humanity come forth as Christ came forth from the grave. We are an Easter people filled with hope, with love, and with Christ. Celebrate Easter!