During this holy week as we prepare to “celebrate” Easter in “quarantine”, there are so many things for us to reflect upon. First of all, it was just after Ash Wednesday (the 40 days of Lent began -a time of “fasting”/reflection/ repentance/or “giving something up” that is of significant value to us to allow us to focus on our relationship with God.) that we were first hearing/ understanding the great significance/power of this world-wide pandemic that we could not “wish-away” or turn our backs upon. It was becoming “real” to us. It wasn’t just something that was happening half way around the world. It was HERE, in our schools, hospitals, homes, jobs, communities. From that time on we have had to endure a lot of major changes in our lives that we have never had to face before – ever!

Everyday we learn of the new number of cases/deaths/quarantines/ closures and horrific situations we are all facing together. This has been something that has produced fear, panic, loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, and many other changes in our lives that I pray we will never take for granted again. And yet, it is absolutely NOT the first time that the world has faced a major crisis. Something I read earlier this week touched my heart and made it very real for me:

“The very first Easter was not in a crowded worship space with singing and praising. On the very first Easter, the disciples were locked in their homes. It was too dangerous for them to come out. They were afraid. They wanted to believe the good news they heard from the women, that Jesus had risen. But it seemed too good to be true.They were living in a time of much despair and such fear. If they left their homes, their lives and the lives of their loved ones might be at risk. Could a miracle have really happened? Could life really have won out over death? Could this time of terror and fear be coming to an end? Alone in their homes they dared to believe that hope was possible, that the long night was over and morning had broken, that God’s love was the most powerful of all, even though it didn’t seem that could be possible. Eventually, they were able to leave their homes, when the fear and danger had subsided, and they went around celebrating and spreading the good news that Jesus was risen – and love was THE most powerful force on the earth.”

This year, we might get the closest experience of what the first Easter was like, still in our homes daring to believe that hope is on the horizon. Then after awhile, when it is safe for all people, when it is the most loving choice, we will come out, gathering together, and shouting the Good News that God brings life even out of death, and that love ALWAYS has the final word! As we reflect upon tonight, Holy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper, please remember that we are fast approaching that glorious day of Resurrection and eventual “life after death”! Love to ALL of you! Please be safe, stay healthy and God bless you! Nanette