Musings of Easter

"Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!!" I find it hard to really collect my thoughts right now. My Easter experience this year has been wide and varied, unlike any Easter that I remember from years past. The biggest difference is being away from my family and home church. I appreciate my family and the times we have spent together. But, God saw fit for me to be here in Michigan this year for Easter. I miss singing the old Easter hymns and choruses that I have grown up with. I miss hearing, "The Lord is risen... The Lord is risen indeed!" To my family, both physical and spiritual, I love and miss each one of you!

I was part of a Passion Play, which was another new experience. I got roped into it back in January. My roommate, who attends the Methodist church in town, was asked by the pastor to recruit some people to help in the play. And so... it goes from there. I played the part of Pilate, which I actually enjoyed. Being in this play really helped me to focus in on many little details of the Passion of Christ. For instance, I think Pilate was intending to release Jesus after the beating and scourging. But, when he saw how riotous the crowd was, he gave in to their pressure and ordered Jesus to be crucified. Also, when John and Peter ran to the tomb in the morning, John got there first, but didn't enter the tomb. Peter was the one that went in, and saw the grave clothes and the folded napkin.

I also attended my first Catholic service Saturday evening. I, along with a few other guys from here, were invited to attend the Easter Vigil service. It was an eye-opener for me. Granted, it was different from a traditional mass, but it still put a big hole in my Catholic "box". Almost the whole service consisted of recitations and singing liturgy. It gave me a feeling of being transported back in time to the medieval days. The service started at 9pm and lasted for 2 1/2hrs. The sanctuary was very dimly lit. Candlelight gave a very reverent overtone. Much of the singing reminded me of a monastery, where traditions and history were passed down orally. However, the parishioners were very friendly and welcoming. I left the service with a deeper meaning to some of the traditions that I hold dear.

I will end this with some verses that have been running through my head. "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:18