Not for me.
Today, Saturday, the day after Good Friday, I imagine many of us feel like the followers of Jesus after his death. They were filled with fear as they stayed in their homes. They didn’t know what would happen to them. The world as they knew it, crushed. So much like many of us today. We don’t know what’s next. Those who go out, the essential workers who do their jobs knowing they could be the next victim – do they experience the feelings of His followers who stood at the foot of the cross fearful about their future? I know I would.
I think 2020 will do down in everyone’s personal history story. The is the year we couldn’t attend church services throughout most of Lent.; the first year for many who didn’t get to sing or play their instruments during Holy Week services.
I don’t remember how many years I’ve played my guitar and sang with our choir for Good Friday and Easter sunrise services. Taylor, my guitar, sits and waits for me pick her up sometime today or tomorrow. So, how will I handle this lack of community?
This year, for the first time in my sixty-five years of living, I will celebrate Easter Sunday Mass by watching it online in my living room. But – I think this is my first church community, just like the early Christians. I believe Jesus is here in this place, my home. When He commissioned His disciples, He told them, “…And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20. I can, and will, worship Him here. And I pray for the grace to continue long after this time of isolation is passed.
How will I do this?
First, I hope to follow my daily routine of rising in the early morning. In the quiet house, I spend the first minutes with a cup of coffee and my God. I read through several devotionals for the day, write my reflections or make notations in my journal that I want to remember. I pray. I worship. I ask for guidance for my day. (I know, not everyone is an early riser. I encourage you to find a time that works for you.)
Second, I attend to the needs of my home. Whether it’s laundry, cooking, baking, sweeping the floors, I spend some time on household chores.
Third. I sew. With the need for masks, I spend a good chunk of my time in my sewing area cutting, stitching, and pressing. Then, I give masks to whoever I know needs one. Hubby owns five so he can wear a fresh one each day as he goes outside to do his farm work. I’ve passed them along to friends in healthcare, my local hospital, my mom’s residential facility, the UPS driver, and the person who delivers our mail. Suddenly, I went from a fabric hoarder to being prepared. I have finally been able to use fabric scraps for a wonderful purpose. Today, I’m sewing again for our local hospital.
I also take comfort in the Bible verse from Mark. Jesus had gathered with His disciples for a meal when a woman entered the room. She went to Jesus and poured expensive perfumed oil (Nard) on his head. When the disciples criticized her for wasting the money that could have been given to the poor, Jesus stood up for her. “She has done what she could;” Mark 14:8.
The reason I cling to this is I believe we each have gifts or skills that can help another person. I see so many people “doing what they can.” And joy fills me as I use the talent God gave me to do what I can. I encourage each of you to find what you can do, to worship in your home, and to pray for all those affected by Covid-19.
No, I won’t spend time with my family or my friends. But, I can find joy in what I can do. I hope you can, too.
Bye for now.
May it be your Best. Easter. Ever.
Virginia Pillars, Author 