Easter last year was a most quiet day.

The pandemic had just begun and churches were closed. No one was really thinking about outdoor celebrations or services. We stayed in and went online.

It was an incredibly personal Easter: one without the Eucharist or family, but a Pascha that felt more real than ever before. There weren’t the distractions of life. Small ordinary things became beacons of what the celebration is all about. 

This year is different: while I craved for those feelings I had last year, it was more difficult to focus. Life began to resume and the Lenten struggle looked like it has before.

Tonight, as I came back from our Easter vigil and prepare for tomorrow, it strikes me how much has really changed. 

While last year I missed going to services, I have become so accustomed the cyber church. I’ve had to force myself to go in person. But when I’m there, the services are as fresh and meaningful as they’ve ever been, speaking to me stronger than ever before.

While there’s a sense of uncertainty of what Easter will bring, I look forward to returning home, changed and open to receive.