We have been celebrating this sacred season, and anticipating Jesus’ triumph over the grave. “Death, where is your victory? Death where is your sting?” We are carefully trying to observe social distancing, gathering outside and in smaller groups to remember and honor our Lord in the torment, silence, and darkness before the great vindication.
We have met in smaller groups to prepare ourselves for Easter. On Wednesday some of us met to read The Women of Easter and imagine ourselves in the times surrounding and following Jesus’ last days on earth, and then his resurrection. Also, some watched the Gospel of Mark.
We found ourselves helped in our reflections, preparing our hearts for the most important event in Christian history. On Friday night, several events happened: a Good Friday service which some participated in, a Seder event, remembering, rehearsing, and learning about great and ancient wisdom from our ancestors, the Jews.
We must never forget that Our Lord was a Jew and no doubt celebrated many seders in his life. Others reflected upon Good Friday, considering death, guilt, and the “best laid plans.” We were all edified. Some watched The Passion of the Christ remembering that however brutal and violent the portrayal, it was surely much less than what our Lord actually suffered on our behalf.
On Saturday we gathered to prepare for our Easter celebration and feast. While strictly observing stay-at-home restrictions these past two weeks, we managed to create a real Easter feast: roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, green bean casserole, and homemade challah bread from our provisions on hand.
We are truly blessed. And we even get dessert! May we NEVER forget to give thanks for God’s gracious bounty. We wish you all good health, joy, life abundant, and victory through Christ. He is risen indeed.