Twenty-five years ago on Easter, my mother’s brain tumor advanced to the point she could no longer walk. Rather than the usual elation/exhaustion mix I felt as a priest post-Holy Week and a glorious Day of the Resurrection, I met the days after Easter emotionally drained, wondering how to survive a 50-day season of Alleluias. Resurrection people, as Christians sometimes call themselves, can be a positive bunch, known to sing uplifting “Alleluia!” songs and speak of new life in optimistic terms. Yet this need not be understood to deny pain and grief. As my mom began her unrelenting slide toward death, another resurrection message emerged as comfort. In each resurrection story in the Gospel of John Jesus appears to friends who are grieving, scared, or doubting. Jesus meets their wounds with a word of peace and a commission. Jesus comes to those who are living in the grip of death and fills them with the power to share love and life with others. This year, resurrection comes with daily reminders of the dangers of illness and of the threat of death. As Christ showed us, let us meet those forces with a word of peace and act of love, bearing witness to God’s power to raise them and us to new life.

We want to hear from you!

Where would your feet (virtually) carry you today to spread messages of hope? Who in your life are you most concerned about today? Let us know your thoughts by responding here.

Here are a few things people have shared:

How can you be like the rain lily, making beauty after the storm of this pandemic season?
“I always think about the polarities of life; darkness and light, life and death . We must believe that there will be positive change after the pain of this pandemic passes.” -Rachel

“I am observing how much laughing more is helping all our mental health in the house. ” -Sarah

When was the last time nature inspired you?
“This morning. The birds wake me up every morning with their song, reminding me that today is a new day.” -Amy