Reflections

Easter Tuesday - Woman Weeping

Woman weeping

Twice in today’s gospel passage the question is asked: “Woman, why are you weeping?” (John 20:11 – 18)

As in yesterday’s passage there is a heaviness that overtakes us when we have lost a friend, a confidant, a mentor. Tears flow easily, emotions are high.

On hearing her name, she immediately recognizes the voice of her “Rabbouni”.

Her response: to tell the community what she has seen and heard. To proclaim the Good News.

-Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

Hymn: CBW 393 Something Which is Known.

Easter Monday - Women of the Gospels

A week of festivity, a week of story telling to enliven our witnessing, listening and discerning.

The octave of Easter beckons us to be immersed in the gift of life and the presence of Divine Love.

Women of the Gospels

Two Marys approach the tomb with heart heaviness.

The sadness of loss of a good friend, a mentor, a healer courses through their beings.

As they approach, the unexpected happens – the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, a voice speaks. “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here.” (Matthew 28:5)

Over these past months how often we have looked for Divine Presence in the midst of our fragmented world, wondering where God is in the midst of such suffering, war, violence, abuse.

The ache in our hearts is only eased by the goodwill of those who seek change, who strive for equality, inclusiveness, who stem violence. The hope held out by the Living Spirit alive within community.

These are the ones who reflect the light of Divine Presence in our midst, whether they resonate and shimmer with the light of the risen Christ, or the All-benevolent ever Merciful God, or Shekinah.

The two Marys heard the message: “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.”

They left the tomb quickly, and with great joy ran to tell others.

-Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

 Hymn: CBW 385 Christ is Alive!

The Strangeness of Holy Saturday 

My enduring memory of Holy Saturday evokes a sense of a strange emptiness and endless waiting in a dark void. This final day of lent follows the dramatic liturgy of Good Friday.  At the end of the Friday service, altar coverings are removed leaving a bare altar and an empty tabernacle. We are left to meditate on the suffering and death of Jesus in a liturgical vacuum.  Saturday’s bewildering atmosphere is one of restless waiting.  We are part of a suffering universe longing for the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise of resurrection and redemption.  This day we dwell in hope.    

Crown Of Thorns With Royal Shadow Watercolor Digital Art by Allan Swart

This state of emptiness throughout Holy Saturday prepares us for the Easter Vigil which traditionally begins on the same evening. The strange atmosphere of Holy Saturday increases our longing to celebrate the Easter drama which renews and strengthens our faith.  We are ready to rejoice in professing that we and all that exists have been created by a God who loves, forgives, and redeems us.  

Our world is full of suffering caused by hate, wars, greed, and the destruction of our planet. Yet, amid this chaos, there is much love to be found in the work done by so many ordinary people to care for persons and the earth.  Love, not force, violence, or punishment brings about change.  Easter is the most important feast in the liturgical calendar.  It is a celebration of our faith in God who will not abandon what He has created.  The victory of Jesus’ resurrection is a celebration of great joy, a promise of redemption, and a call to renew our faith. We participate in a loving union with God who invites and empowers each of us to share in this work of healing our world and bringing about unity among all peoples and with all of creation. 

- Sister Patricia McKeon 

Good Friday

I was reflecting on what to write for a Good Friday blog and this image by William Blake kept coming to my mind. I have recently been reading Meister Eckhart’s Book of the Heart and his poem, Become Empty, also spoke to me in relation to Good Friday. I share both of these inspiring works as you, too, contemplate Good Friday and what it means for you.

Sister Ann MacDonald, CSJ

“BECOME EMPTY
So you want to find God?
Empty yourself of everything -
your worries and your hopes,
your wishes and your fears.
For when you are finally
empty, God will find you,
because God cannot tolerate
emptiness and will come
to fill you with himself.”
— Meister Eckhart

Header Image: Unsplash/Wim van 't Einde