In the midst of the strangest Easter morning, I find my self up with my daughter. Mom was up at every hour of the night with the baby, so she needs rest. Somehow our little Bean was also up but is awake just fine.
During this 6:30 to 8:30 awake window, I was trying to figure out how I would begin this Easter Sunday.
Normal Easters
On a normal Easter, I would probably take a slow morning, similar to today. Then as the house wakes up, I would dress up a little nicer than the average Sunday: likely a sweater for this time of year.
At 11 we would go to mass and there would be a big crowd of people with joyful celebration. We would wave hi and do the small talk after mass before heading out.
Often we would visit my dad’s side of the family which meant going down to my Uncle’s house for a big celebration with most of the day snacking on apps, drinking, and watching my Uncle cook an amazing meal that would be enjoyed later in the night.
We would talk and laugh, and eventually my family would end the night sitting around the table, emotional from their drinks, telling stories of their upbringings and family members whom we miss and couldn’t be here today.
Easter 2020
This Easter feels different.
There will be no big family gathering.
While the morning is starting very similarly, there is an interesting feeling; or rather, a feeling missing.
The feeling that is missing is the anticipation of the plans and family ahead in the day.
Of course we are planning a video call with my parents and brother, but beyond that our only schedule is as follows: dress up nice, watch mass on tv, take cute pictures in the park (Katie’s idea), and make some cookies.
This is going to be a very nice family day, but that hint of un-normalcy is already felt. It’s been felt since yesterday evening.
Easter Sunday in Its Glory
Normally in the Triduum (the three days starting on Holy Thursday leading up to the Easter Vigil on Saturday night), Easter starts with a beautiful realization that Christ has risen from the dead!
This celebration begins in the dark with a fire burning outside. Then, the fire makes its way into the building with every single member of the church holding a candle. The fire spreads exponentially until the church is glowing inside. Then we do all of the readings that show how God loved and cared for His people, and how He had a plan.
Before the Gospel reading, we sing Alleluia for the first time since before Ash Wednesday and during this time there are often bells going off everywhere! All of this is an amazing witness that makes you feel the greatest event in history deep in your bones!
JESUS HAS RISEN!
This is of course true. However, these festivities of a normal Easter are a remembrance of the resurrection that we know to follow Jesus’ Crucifixion and decent into Hell. We celebrate the day and all that it means for us.
This morning, I am reflecting on that first Easter morning.
Easter Morning in Its Wonder
Where is Jesus?
I knew I could not let this morning be like every other, yet being on our own today, I knew that I had to be intentional.
I made a coffee with lots of creamer as a nice holiday treat, then I sat on the couch thinking. Looking at the book shelf I decided that Morning prayer would be a great way to participate in the Universal Church and see what she has to say rather than living just in my own thoughts.
Lectio: Marys Go to the Tomb
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene came with the other Mary to inspect the tomb. Suddenly there was a mighty earthquake, as the angel of the Lord descended from heaven. He came to the stone, rolled it back, and sat on it. In appearance he resembled a flash of lightning while his garments were as dazzling as snow. The guards grew paralyzed with fear of him and fell down like dead men.
Then the angel spoke, addressing the women: “Do not be frightened. I know you are looking for Jesus the crucified, but he is not here. He has been raised, exactly as he promised. Come and see the place where he was laid. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has been raised from the dead and now goes ahead of you to Galilee, where you will see him.’ That is the message I have for you.”
They hurried away from the tomb half-overjoyed, half-fearful, and ran to carry the good news to his disciples.
Matthew 28:1-8
In the context of this year, rather than going straight to the excitement of the Easter Vigil on Saturday night, I am forced to realize the wonder of Easter morning. Wonder at what happened in the days before, wonder at what is to happen next, and wondering where Jesus is!
More than ever, I am struck by the perspective of the two Marys in Matthews description of Easter morning.
In the usual celebration at the Easter vigil, I imagine the lights turning on and the bells to signal the moment of Jesus’ resurrection. It is as if we are inside the tomb with Christ and can know the exact, extraordinary moment.
Today it is more like we are the Marys. We have to search for Jesus and wonder a bit. Of course, Jesus finds us and comes to us, but there is this time before He reveals himself that we have to wonder. In fact there was a time that even the disciples had to be told!
Jesus’ closest followers and all of his disciples, numbering thousands, did not wake up on Easter morning, running to their family saying, “Wake up! It’s Easter Sunday!” The whole Christian community didn’t have a sudden feeling in their bones at the instant Jesus rose from the dead.
The lights did not turn on, and the bells did not ring.
That Quiet Morning
Easter Sunday developed throughout the day and beyond.
It all started slowly, and quietly, as the greatest moment in history was revealed to the world. But it started at that Tomb.
The Octave
This year I am going to picture the Octave of Easter differently. It starts with a slow morning, with Mary Magdalene waking up, likely still distraught from the events that started the weekend, but hopeful.
She decides to go with her friend and sister to visit her Lord’s tomb, and it all starts there.
Half-Overjoyed, Half-Fearful
We as Catholics and Christians are overjoyed by the Easter mystery! We are overjoyed by our God conquering death and rising from the dead! So why were Mary and Mary fearful?
I imagine that the fear was wrapped up in the wonder of “How is this possible?” or “What exactly will encountering Jesus be like if He was dead but is now risen?”. Some of the fear could come also from their new mission, to carry the good news to the disciples.
What would they say? How would they respond?
Carry the Easter Message
So as Mary and Mary ran to carry their message, despite their fear. We can run also with this glorious Easter message.
Christ will conquer all death and has risen from the dead!
I am overjoyed of course, but I am also often fearful to carry this message.
But today is the proof, we continue to be a people who celebrate Easter, no matter what.
ALLELUIA!