A tough Lent.
Sickness, hospital visits for family members, the death of Cary’s half sister. While typical Lents would feature some earnest sacrifice of material goods and an extra dose of liturgical traditions, this one took on its own personality.
And a personality that we did not enjoy. We eagerly waited for the finish line. The waiting turned into a limp.
Still, we did cross it. Last night at the Easter Vigil, we witnessed the other side of Lenten waiting: joy. Over 20 individuals entered the Church- a true gift. Some were children, others in their teen years and still others later in life. Each had their own journey of conversion.
The rituals carried us from one moment to the next. In the end, celebration, feasting and satisfaction. Lent is no more and Christ’s resurrection informs all of our living. Not just for the new Catholics but for each of us.
Was it a Lent I’d like to relive? Heck no. Was it a means for God to bring even greater joy to us in the Easter season? Absolutely.
Happy Easter friends!
-Mike
Sickness, hospital visits for family members, the death of Cary’s half sister. While typical Lents would feature some earnest sacrifice of material goods and an extra dose of liturgical traditions, this one took on its own personality.
And a personality that we did not enjoy. We eagerly waited for the finish line. The waiting turned into a limp.
Still, we did cross it. Last night at the Easter Vigil, we witnessed the other side of Lenten waiting: joy. Over 20 individuals entered the Church- a true gift. Some were children, others in their teen years and still others later in life. Each had their own journey of conversion.
The rituals carried us from one moment to the next. In the end, celebration, feasting and satisfaction. Lent is no more and Christ’s resurrection informs all of our living. Not just for the new Catholics but for each of us.
Was it a Lent I’d like to relive? Heck no. Was it a means for God to bring even greater joy to us in the Easter season? Absolutely.
Happy Easter friends!
-Mike