A Season of Renewal

Easter and Passover are upon us, although in the strange times we are experiencing, these holiday celebrations may be more subdued than in previous years.  Perhaps that is the best reason, however, to embrace them.

We are not spending this week attending a church or synagogue as we usually would.  We are not prepping to cook dinner for 12 people.  We are not planning an egg hunt for the children in our extended families.

What we can do, however, is be grateful for what we have. For our health and the health of our family members. For the chance to gather with those family members who are under our roof. For the opportunity to thank God for those we do have around our table, and to ask him to care for those who cannot be with us.

On this Good Friday, although I will not be attending my usual afternoon mass, I will participate over a live stream. And I will take the time to thank God for what I do have this Easter season.

I will thank Him that I do not know a single person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and I will ask Him to please keep it that way.

I will also thank Him that my husband and adult children have been safely under my roof for the last two weeks, and I will express my gratitude that no one has as of yet gone over the edge with all this "togetherness."

I will thank Him for the view from my kitchen table--which has become my workspace since my husband has taken over our shared office--of the spring flowers starting to bloom and the birds flying in and out of the birdfeeders outside the window.  I will also ask Him to please impede my view of the refrigerator.

As my husband and children gather on Sunday for our small Easter dinner, we will thank God for his blessings and ask him to watch over all those who cannot be with us.

Finally, I will ask Him to bless and watch over my family and friends, spread all over the country, and help them to find contentment, safety and perhaps a little bit of joy during this challenging time. During this season of salvation and renewal, I hope you find peace and happiness in what you have with you right now.

Happy Easter. A Blessed Passover. And may God bless you all.