We are Easter People

There is a phrase that keeps bubbling up on Facebook posts that just about sums up the last 40 days: THIS LENT IS THE LENTIEST LENT I’VE EVER LENTED. We wake up every morning to a new reality, new restrictions, new statistics, new theories and need to learn a whole new normal way of dealing with daily life. For me personally the most difficult aspect of “sheltering in place” has been the inability to gather and pray with living, breathing, singing human beings. Online prayer resources and live streamed Masses are a great thing and are becoming more and more available as the weeks pass. The people and institutions committed to providing these opportunities are dedicated and tireless . Here at St. Malachi many of us have burst through our fear of technology (and germs) to learn new  skills. Creative channels are becoming unclogged and flowing, we work hard at communication, but for me it has become so clear that we need to be in face to face contact with “living stones”. How do we celebrate alone together?

Pope John Paul II  reminds us “Do not abandon yourself to despair. We are the Easter people and Hallelujah is our song!” We remain rooted in the hope we have in Jesus Christ, the cornerstone, to insist that we live in a world where a resurrection really did happen. So we continue to pray for one another, look out for our neighbors, find ways to be of service, marvel at the greening of the earth and rejoice in the fact that the steadfast love of God endures forever. This IS the day that the Lord has made! Let us be glad and rejoice!

May you and your loved ones be richly blessed with rich and surprising blessings today and through these next great 50 days of Easter.

—Charlene McElwee, Director Music/Liturgy