As many have stated and observed, we are living in unprecedented times these days. We are in the grip of a health and medical crisis that, most likely, has never been experienced on the world stage. Our crisis is a pandemic!
There are many statements out there referring to the true test of character and faith that arises during challenge and crisis. Our unique challenge now is that the very thing that we need the most – gathering to share human warmth, touch and connection – is being taken from us. That closeness is the very thing that can make us sick.
So just as in other times of crisis, tragedy and human suffering, our faith must arise. Our courage and wisdom must manifest itself in new and different ways.
That is what Jesus did for all of humanity during his last days as a human. He arose – or rose – to a new and different reality in the face of suffering and death.
We must continue to draw inspiration from his example now more than ever. Some of our unique demonstrations of faith can be inspired by previous ones. I gathered with my brother Jack and his wife Mickie recently to remember the first anniversary of her mother Helen Prasnikar’s death. In remembering her, as with many others, her presence was felt. She lives in us. This certainly applies to how we often relate to Jesus.
As we gathered (all 6 feet apart) at Helen’s grave, Mickie’s sister Jackie read a reflection from Kitty O’Meara, a retired teacher who lives in Madison, WI. It is at the end of this article.
Easter is about new life. O’Meara articulates that in the healing of the earth and the richer, deeper and newer ways that people can look at each other in a crisis. She articulates that for us. Even though this pandemic is far from over, the Easter new life that we can experience NOW may pull us through our isolation and struggle.
I have seen this in other ways recently. Heidi Rooney, a parishioner and former staff member, organized a caravan of cars to drive by Jody Lakowske’s house last week. Jody is struggling with cancer. Initially Heidi predicted 30 cars were to participate. As we went by the Lakowske home, 70 cars were in the caravan – over twice as many as expected! Something about human kindness and compassion made more of the gesture. That is the power of new life.
I have appreciated how many leaders. news stations and organizations have adopted the mantra, “We are in this together.” I find it interesting that we have been proclaiming that before Mass for several years now. I hope this resurgence makes you appreciate it even more.
I have also added something I borrowed from someone out there that compliments the unity of our statement. We don’t have to BE together to WORK together, and WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER and THIS is Easter. Let us BE in it and WORK to share it, even though we are farther than 6 feet apart.
Happy Unique Easter. I miss gathering with all of you. You bring Easter joy and hope to me more than you will ever know. I hope to convey that when we gather again – of course, most sacredly in the Eucharist.
“And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows .And the people began to think differently.
And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.
And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.”
Author – Kitty O’Meara