Keep the Celebration Going
May 23, 2014
Read
“O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96: 1-2, NRSV)
Reflect
Only a few Sundays ago, we celebrated Jesus’ Resurrection. Ministers wore white. Children filled their baskets with chocolate eggs. With glorious festivities we entered the season of Easter, a great 50 days, but on the following Monday morning I still asked people: “What did you do for Easter?” I asked this question as if Easter were over.
Easter is not over. The saving work of Resurrection has just begun! We do not return to business as usual. The Prince of Peace, the Son of God, the King of Glory, has risen from the dead. This information, this action, demands a response.
On that first Sunday, we celebrated with fanfare, incense, song, and shouts of Alleluia! Yet here I am, only a few weeks in with the fabulous knowledge that love wins, and well, um…The party is seemingly ended. I can so easily return to business as usual when the opposite of usual has occurred!
This Great 50 Days invites us to continue in the celebration. We celebrate the knowledge that death does not get the last word because Christ has trampled down death. New life surrounds us!
So, how do we celebrate? How do we keep this party going? We love. We keep sharing our love. We receive that love which never ends.
-Mary Koppel
Respond
Celebrate the Resurrection today with some small gesture: sing in the shower or dance during the commercials on television or smell some flowers.
aleathia (dolores)nicholson
My response? I woke up @5 am knowing that my homily for Easter VI was still not what I wanted and had an AHA!!! moment: Why not quote Laurie Brock’s 50 DAYS OF FABULOUS about abiding…..so I got up, turned on the computer, added her piece…yes, I gave her the credit due her..and VOILA !! I’m ready for Sunday. Believe you me, that was celebration enough for me. Now I’m going back to bed. Amen.
Madeleine Baier
Sleep well, Aleathia! The school I work at has a lilac bush on the northwest end of the playground which is in full bloom, and I’ve been smelling it on a regular basis. I wish I could bottle the scent and give it away to everybody. Mary, thanks for giving more meaning to this simple activity. I like the idea of celebrating God’s glory in simple activities such as this one. Just another beautiful day in the neighborhood!!
Harlie Youngblood
Thanks, Mary, for reminding us that small gestures can have great meaning. Ordinarily, I give up sugar on Fridays (I’m a vegetarian, so giving up meat is not an option). But during the 50 Days of Easter (as well as the 12 Days of Christmas) I have a sweet every day. A tiny thing, but it really does remind me that Christ is risen, and a new world has begun.
linda maumus
so good to read what you wrote on here, Mary. awesome as usual. we miss you in NOLA. and madeleine-i caught that last line you slipped in! good for you!
Madeleine Baier
Yep. Sneaky little so and so, aren’t I? Hee hee heeeeee…………;)
Harlie Youngblood
Madeleine, this will, no doubt, get back to the SEC!
Madeleine Baier
I know, Harlie, I truly don’t want to irritate the SEC but as I said to Fr. Tim, once I tilt my lance, which I don’t do casually, it stays tilted! Besides, All they have to do is put you know who in the blooming bracket and, REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME, I will un-tilt my lance. I promise. How hard is this?! 🙂
Harlie Youngblood
You’re like that widow in the parable, or Harriet Bedell.
Madeleine Baier
Thank you. I am rawther persistent. Some would say stubborn. Some would say irritating…..
Harlie Youngblood
Not that I’m saying that the SEC is like the unjust judge! (I don’t want to get myself into hot water with Scott and Tim!)
Madeleine Baier
Nor do I, but a cause is a cause. As my dad used to say, D 🙂 🙂 🙂 the torpedoes, full speed ahead!
Harlie Youngblood
Huzzah!
Gail
Like the song says “Because I’m Happy!”
linda maumus
and once again Mr. R somehow gets into the conversation. a sign from above? take note SEC!
Madeleine Baier
If I don’t get banished to the hinterlands over this, it’ll be a miracle…..but…..a cause is a cause
linda maumus
we could give him another name…so when we refer to him THEY won’t know! maybe the tv repairman or something like that!
Madeleine Baier
No no no, Fred Rogers is Fred Rogers. To call him by any other name would be a tad dishonest.
Besides, the sec would see right through it, wouldn’t they now? 🙂
linda maumus
well- i suppose they would. they’re kinda smart!
Martie Collins
I like to dance (sitting down) at my desk when my coworkers’ ringtones inspire me!
Madeleine Baier
Good idea Martie! “I’s gonna dance when the spirit says dance”!