Happy Easter Seasons! Let all the Alleluias ring out!
As we journey through this beautiful time in the Church calendar, I was fortunate enough to obtain a new perspective on the word Easter. Our Deacon at Sts. Philip and James Church, John Keenan, shared with us in the homily the idea that during this season, we need to continue to encounter and develop our relationship with the Risen Lord and let Christ ‘Easter in us’.
That expression may not sound familiar to us, but this is simply because we treat Easter as a noun, a moment in history. Easter is not just a noun, but first and foremost a verb. Easter is something we think, something we feel, something we graciously accept, and, most of all, something we do. Easter has become a way of loving, living, seeing, hearing, and speaking. We are called to do Easter every day!
I would like to share with you the prayer that our Deacon John shared with the congregation; I think you will find many ideas that can be reflected on:
Lord Jesus, Easter in us, that we may live our lives in the light of your compassion and peace, your justice and forgiveness.
Easter in us that we may become a humble servant like you, a healer like you, a teacher like you, a foot washer like you.
Easter in us that we may bear our crosses for one another as you have borne your cross for us.
Easter in us so that we may live the true joy of Resurrection rather than the tears of the tomb.
Lord Jesus, Easter in us today and every day so that at the end of our life’s voyage, we may EASTER in you. Amen!
This prayer is so powerful on its own, but God has great timing, and as I was putting together this reflection, a wonderful quote from Pope Francis came across my desk. I think it concretizes Easter as a verb – what do you think?
Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.
Living for others is a rule of nature. We are born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is… Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.
(Pope Francis)
May your week be filled with Resurrection joy and many opportunities to use EASTER as a verb!
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
