Blessed Easter!
“Easter is a season of profound transformation, a time when the old gives way to the new and the broken is made whole. It is a reminder that God's power is made perfect in weakness, and that His grace is sufficient for all our needs. “
Saint Faustina Kowalska
Well, how did it go?
For me, it was surely a test. Silence. What can I say? This Lent had its ups and downs, but the highs definitely outweighed the lows. Let me explain a bit. I experienced great joy in prayer painting, something I began last Lent, as you may recall. My regular prayers and meditations were enriching, and I really enjoyed writing and recording the imaginative prayer meditations. Still, the silence was not always easy. I struggled at first to calm my never-ending, active mind. The tinnitus became more noticeable, especially at night, which made quiet moments more challenging. Much of my struggle was rooted in fear, learning to sit without an agenda, without a list. I don’t often find time to just be. Yes, I have done it on several occasions, but this has been the longest stretch. By week three, though, I began to find a groove. I pushed myself to observe a complete fast on Fridays: no TV, no music, no audiobooks, absolute silence and it changed the shape of my day.
We often find ourselves inclined to fear the unknown, the unfamiliar, and the things that disrupt our daily routine. Never would I have imagined that something so simple could be so challenging. I suppose when we consider what surrounds us every day, we are rarely inclined to shut everything out. I didn’t fully realize at least not at first, how much energy circulates around us, whether negative or positive; that noise can sometimes feel overwhelming. What I have learned is that closing the door on external distractions, even briefly, can be a small but powerful form of rejuvenation. St. Francis and many other saints followed Jesus’ lead and went off to pray. They would deliberately remove themselves from the distractions of the world and simply be present with God. I used to wonder if I could do that too. And you know what? I did it and it changed me.
I hope your Lenten season was as fruitful as mine. So, what’s next now that we are celebrating the resurrection of our Lord? Do we simply go back and pick up where we left off, or do we take the gifts we have received and intentionally make them part of our ongoing faith journey?
As for me, I will make my Fridays a special, dedicated time with God and retreat up into the mountain to pray, reflect, and renew my spirit. So, how was your Lent? Please share in the comments section.
An Easter Prayer
Good and gracious God,
Our most glorious Creator,
As we greet the signs in nature around us:
Of Spring once again regaling us in bloom,
In the songs of returning birds and fields soon to be planted,
We give you praise for an even greater sign of new life: the resurrection of your Son,
Our Lord Jesus Christ, that we especially celebrate at this time.
The sadness and despair of his death has given way to the bright promise of immortality.
For the Resurrection is our guarantee that justice will triumph over treason, Light will overcome darkness, and love will conquer death.
As we celebrate, we also dare to ask for your grace that we may live the promise given to us,
By imitating the life of Jesus in reaching out to the poor, the marginalized, the least among us,
As we strive to be neighbor to all those we meet,
We ask your special blessings each and every day on our President.
Working with him may we strive to make this great country of ours a beacon of hope and justice in a world hungry for peace and so in need of your love.
We praise you in this Easter season. Change our lives, change our hearts to be messengers of Easter joy and hope.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord forever.
Amen.
- Fr. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, offered at the fourth annual White House Easter Prayer Breakfast on April 8, 2013
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your spiritual journey! Keep at it! Keep praying. Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.Fran Acosta,OFS
