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2nd Sunday of Easter (by Deacon Russ)

We have all had some new words added to our vocabulary in the past couple months - “social distancing,” “space hug,” “stay at home,” “Covid 19.” It has been a rough time, rougher for some than for others. Husbands and wives, families with kids have spent more time together than usual. Sometimes it’s a blessing, sometimes it’s a challenge. We have not been able to be close to our adult kids or hug our grandchildren. We have had to let birthdays pass by. We have had to forgo Easter dinner. Some have gone through lockdown and quarantine. Being able to stand next to one another is something that we took for granted – until we can’t do it anymore. It’s been a tough time.

Going through this virus, this ordeal, have had many of us responding in different ways. Some have relied on God to get them through; some have asked, if there is a God, how could He let this happen to the world. We believe that God exists, even though at times that faith is challenging. Sometimes, for reasons we cannot understand, God does allow hardships in our lives. St. Paul says that three times he went to God about the thorn in his side, and all three times God didn’t answer his prayer. Finally, God says, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Suffering does build character, and I know God’s grace is sufficient. Do I learn more from the good times or the bad times? Most of us grow during our ordeals. But they still hurt.

It might be good to ask ourselves – what have husbands and wives learned as a couple? What have we learned as parents? What have we learned as kids? What have we learned being a family? Some of us remember a Lent when Mom would ask us what we were going to give up for Lent. And we would say something like candy, dessert, chips, or something we really loved. This Lent we didn’t have a choice. We all gave up hugs, family time and human contact. We were testing our stamina, and hopefully we will come out on the other side a bit stronger, more sensitive to the needs of others, and more appreciative of what we already have. Today, let’s make someone smile and breathe in the fresh air and listen to the sights and sounds of spring and hope.

In the second reading today, Peter reminds us that our salvation awaits us in heaven “In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith may prove to be for the praise, glory and honor of God.”

In the midst of everything – infection, unemployment, sickness – stands the risen Jesus. He says that we will be seized by loss, laid bare by infection, and covered by fear. But he says carefully and soberly, “It will lead to your giving testimony.” It is time for us to use our own Christian lives to give testimony. Some day we will be back at Holy Spirit. When we are, wouldn’t it be great to have a full church?

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday, a day when we especially remember Jesus’ mercy towards us and his wish that we share that mercy with others. If there ever was a need for Jesus’ divine mercy, it is now. If there ever was a time to show mercy to others, it is now. For some of us, there may be times that we feel like there is no sin in our life. Sometimes we feel like we don’t do anything wrong. Sometimes we feel like we really don’t need God in our life. But then there are other times when we feel empty, when we know there is something missing, when we feel alone, when we need the Lord’s mercy.

The Resurrection is the foundation of our faith. Without it our faith would not stand. What does Jesus rising from the dead mean for me, for you, for our lives? It means hope, no matter what we have to endure. By raising Jesus to new life, God has given us hope, hope that this same God who turned the tragedy of Good Friday into the victory of Easter Sunday will take our Good Fridays – those trials and troubles we all suffer through – and change them into Easter mornings.