“Alleluia! We are an Easter people and alleluia is our song”, in the words of Augustine. For some people the big question in current days is: How to sing this alleluia looking at the present situation? This is not avoid question at the present time. Maybe we do not have clear answers after all. One thing we have: faith, hope and love that remain forever. These three virtues come from the only source available for everyone, the Word of God. In times when public gatherings are forbidden, that Word accompany us everywhere.
For sure there are so many words entering in our ears in the past days. Words that give us hope and also the great flood of news that bring us down almost close to depression and despair.
In this night time for all humanity, when plans and projects, even the ones solidified for a long time of traditions are about to collapse. In this night for us who believe there are the words of the angel to the women at the door of the empty tomb: “He is not here, for he has been raised…” Even though through live streaming we will listen to these words on the holy night of Easter Vigil these will bring us to light and life again. Still in the night but immerse in the light.
As the deluge of information come to us every moment the risk is to take only half of the news – He is not here – In times of distress, this is the first temptation. It`s so sad to know that many, unfortunately one had taken half of the news. Then, the right question about the presence of God in all this can get directions that bring us nowhere and, in some circumstances, make us to lose the sense of all these events that are touching us so deep. The evil is to get the half news and believe that God is not in all this situation and shouting to us. Calling all for a new life. New way to see life.
“Alleluia! We are an Easter people and alleluia is our song.” Yes, because the complete news affirmed: “He is not here, for he has been raised…” Celebrate Easter in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis make us all take the full news. Only in that way we will have the good news from all this situation. Only then we will be able to see how God Himself is present. How He is suffering in the sick and their families. How He is serving through the many health professionals. His action comes to all through many ways and hidden people.
Yes, there are many good things coming out of this. Signs of His resurrection. When we listen to the words of the angel saying: he has been raised… we all can hope. For sure, this pandemic is not an easy situation for anyone. The present crisis brought us to go to the essential things. Surely, life after this experience will be life of the resurrected people. Nothing will be the same as before. Our relations with people, nature and even with God will be different. The only thing that remain always is what make us human, God`s creation, brothers and sisters: Faith, Hope and Love.
As we celebrate Easter, once again we will learn from the words of Augustine: “what God promises us for the future is great, but what we recall as already done for us is much great.”
Happy Easter 2020.
