He is Risen!
Alleluia! He is Risen Indeed!
These joyful greetings resounded between us as we rose to greet the Easter sun.
This was our third Sunday of attending mass via You-Tube, and the strangeness of church in isolation has not abated. We swept and tidied, and made an extra effort to dress up for Easter today before viewing the 9am Easter mass. It was glitchy – methinks there was an extra high volume of traffic watching today!
Our dear Bishop spoke to us of the resurrection of Christ and what it means for us. I was particularly struck by his comments about the great longevity of his family members, so many surviving into their 90s and even an aunt who lived to be 107. And yet, he said, “We want so much more than simply to live till we’re really old!” Even if we live a long life, our bodies still die eventually. It is the resurrection of Christ that brings us the hope for which we yearn – life eternal, freed from the ravages of sin, in perfect communion with Him in His holy presence. Thanks be to God, He has conquered sin and death!
After mass we had a relaxed time of snacking and making ready our Easter dinner. First of all, Jeff came home with a huge Sees Candy bag more than half full of candy donated to his church. What an Easter treat for the kids!
Due to grocery store restrictions (only two of any item allowed) and shortages (21 items from my grocery list that were in stock when I ordered were out of stock by the time my order was filled, including the main course!), we had to get creative. But we did end up with an amazingly delicious meal, including roasted root vegetables (sweet potatoes, butternut squash, beets, parsnips, brussels sprouts, onions, and a tasty garlic herb butter sauce), spinach salad (fresh spinach leaves, shredded carrot, sliced purple onions, grape tomatoes and thin-sliced cucumber, tossed with balsamic vinnegar, minced garlic, olive oil, water, salt, sugar, and herbs and topped with chopped hard boiled eggs),
and some delicious smoked sausage hot off the grill – and later in the afternoon, banana cream pie. It was an absolutely delightful celebration around the table, and I cherished every moment and each face with which we were blessed.
After dinner and before I let them out of their Easter finery, I tried for a family photo outside under the palm tree. The results were typically chaotic and wonderful.
I am imagining how beautiful it will be next year when our entire family can gather together to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection. I have faith that this time of separation will end, though there will perhaps be many changes in our world. Until then, Lord Jesus, show us the way, and give us your grace to love and help one another through this difficult time.
