Alleluia is our song

This Easter Sunday was vastly different than we had planned or even expected.  Things felt very surreal having to ‘bake’ cakes and color eggs, and to blow ‘air kisses’ at our young grandchildren through the windows of our cellphones or computer screens.

Nothing feels ‘normal’, and I wonder if that was the case for the followers of Jesus on the first Easter Sunday morning?  “Afraid of the authorities”, they too, were ‘safer-at-home’.  Yet we know that THIS day dawned like no other in the history of the world.  Death had been conquered and Resurrection had taken place.  Imagine the joy of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they tried to rush back to tell the disciples, holding their joy.  They were the first to hear and see Jesus post-resurrection (Matthew 28:8-15).  Have you ever held a joyful secret bursting to share your news, knowing that what you have to share would change everything?  I think it may be akin to young married couples who find out they are expecting—maybe even twins(!)—and having to wait to tell the grandparents the good news.

Today is no different.  If we look at the story told in Matthew’s Gospel through the Christianity lens, unfortunately we are unable at this time to live into this joy.  To gather with our faith communities and families sharing the joy of resurrection.  We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song.  Exiled from our places of worship, I am reminded of the words of Psalm 137 as the Israelites struggled to “how can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land.” (137:4)

Peter offers us much consolation in the Book of Acts (Acts 2:14, 22-23), and I wonder, how did he get to this point? He who denied Jesus three times (on Good Friday) is now proclaiming His Resurrection and offers stern words for “children of Israel;” in spite of the “priests and the elders” trying to shut them down as we read in the Gospel.  His use of Psalm 16 is just as relevant today: “…..with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.”(16:8)  This part of the Book of Acts is following Pentecost, and Peter has already received the Holy Spirit.  Peter is proof that the Spirit is alive in him and he will not be silenced by anyone.  His transformation and courage offer us hope today.  We remember the gifts of the Spirit that have been shared with each of us; the gift of Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude/Courage, Piety and, Fear of the Lord.

As Christians, we are called to find the seeds of resurrection. Even within this seeming nightmare of COVID-19. My prayer this Monday in the Octave of Easter is this:

May our world be healed; may we learn from this time of exile, may we remember the words of Jesus as He greets his followers, “Peace be with you” and may God hold us all in the palm of his hand. Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia.