Sunday, March 31, 2013

He Is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Happy Easter!
How on earth could I have survived the last weeks without the promise fulfilled that is Easter.  How bittersweet to stand on the altar last night with my niece as she entered the Catholic Church, knowing her first choice of sponsor was my dad.  How beautiful to know he really was standing with us.  How sad that Lauren will never get to go to Mass with her grandpa as a Catholic. 
I'm looking forward to Tuesday night.  I'll be back home and barring unforeseen circumstances, I'll be there for the rest of the month. 
The Easter Vigil Mass last night at St. James in Falls Church was absolutely 'the most noble of liturgies' as the priest said.  The church building itself is gorgeous, the choir added to the celebration.  I simply love the ritual and symbolism and tradition and the 'pageantry' of the entire celebration.  Starting in darkness, hearing Salvation History story through numerous Old Testament readings, lighting the church, the Good News of the Gospel proclaimed, the renewal of our Baptismal promises, just everything points to the Glory of God.  Definitely the best celebration of the year. (I say that every year, too).
Now we get to celebrate the Easter season for the next 50 days.  Yea!  I had a very different Lent this year, but one that caused me to grow closer to my God.  And really, that's what it's all about.
Happy Easter!

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