Easter 2009

Happy Easter, everyone! This Triduum was especially blessed for me. On Holy Saturday, I decided that I would not turn on my computer or television, so as to wait in quiet, joyful hope for the resurrection. I had quite the productive day. I had time to read, pray, reflect, do laundry, shop, cook, clean... this might be the start of a new tradition. Noramlly if I do not eat with friends, I just eat in front of the television. I thought last night's dinner would be an especially quiet one. But when I began eating, the birds were chirping. Soon after, the thunder started. Then the rain. God put on His own show for me. And it was a lot better than what I would have found on TV. :)

At 8:30pm, I went to church for the Easter Vigil. It truly is one of my favorite liturgies of the entire church year. I sat by my good friend, Chris Kellerman, and we laughed and rejoiced throughout the whole celebration. It had all the normal highlights: the lighting of candles, the bells during the Gloria, and the sacraments. But this time, I was really touched by the Litany of the Saints. As the cantor sang out all the names of the great saints who have gone before us, it made me realize just what a wonderful tradition the church has. The gathering at St. Elizabeth's last night was just a small sample of the overall greater church. I know the church isn't perfect, and there are still scandals and ordeals. But last night's Litany reminded me of the best of our church. It was a great moment.

Today I've had the opportunity to chat with my family via video chat. My dad beheaded and ate an Easter peep, and my mom read to me the abridged version of "The Golden Egg." Then my dad played "In Your Easter Bonnet" and a bit of "Jesus Chris is Ris'n Today" on the piano. My family has wonderful Easter traditions, don't you think? :)

Now there's been a little bit of a change in plans, but I'm going out to dinner at 6:30pm. The Easter joy continues.

Speaking of Easter joy, the video below shows one of my absolutely favorite songs, sung by the Notre Dame Folk Choir. All rights belong to them and the University of Notre Dame. May the song fill your heart with the joy that Christ is risen, he is truly risen! Alleluia!