Easter Morning – He is Risen!
Easter – Season of New Life
The church is packed to overflowing. Little children in their Sunday best squirm thinking of the Easter treats awaiting them at home. Young adults, home from college who have yet to darken the doors of a church since they left home, appear with their parents. Others who have been away and yet feel an urge to return for this one day, and, of course, the regulars–the faithful who never miss a Sunday. Older adults, too frail to stand in the aisle with the overflow crowd are escorted to the front pews. All squeeze just a little bit tighter. All are welcome.
It is a wonderful time of rejoicing. The Easter candle has been lit, the altar decorated with an array of flowers, somber purples give way to white and the church proclaims, “Alleluia.” Newly baptized Catholics from the previous night show up again this morning wearing their baptismal stoles and smiling from ear to ear.
Together we profess our faith by renewing our baptismal vows and then the priests walks up and down the aisles sprinkling with water, making a special effort to reach those he hasn’t seen in a while and soak them with water in hopes of getting them back into the pews.
Time to put aside mourning and sadness, time be present with each other in Easter joy if only for this moment in time.
Alleluia, Alleluia, let God’s holy anthem rise.
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. Psalm 118:22-24
This post is part of a series of reflections on the Church year. click here to follow blog
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