The Grinch That Stole Easter

As the COVID crisis lingers on, the days have blended into one another, with little to differentiate one from the next. I expected today, Easter Sunday, to feel the same in light of the traditional observances, celebrations, and traditions that have been put on hold.

Then I watched some of the virtual church services that are being streamed live and it gave me a new perspective – or perhaps more appropriately, it reinforced something that many of us have, or should have, known all along. A peace came over me that I haven’t felt in weeks.

Sitting in my kitchen and quietly observing the rituals of the mass, hearing the music, and reciting the familiar prayers brought to mind the Dr. Seuss story we all know so well, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The lesson it taught was that despite the Grinch’s efforts to squash the holiday by stealing the ribbons and tags, boxes and bags, decorations and presents, food and festivities, Christmas still came and the spirit of the season endured.

The coronavirus is our current Grinch. It has stolen, at least for a while, so much of what we enjoy and people we love. The churches are closed, the Easter parades have been canceled, children are missing egg hunts, and Easter baskets are empty. Loved ones are apart, holiday meals are simple, family tables have no guests, and there is no need to dress up in our finest Easter outfits.

And yet, Easter has still arrived. The circled date on the calendar remains the same. A glance out the window reveals spring in all its glory, with grass and trees turning green again and flowers and shrubs beginning to blossom. People of faith, in whatever measure and of whatever congregation, have found ways to come together in spirit and celebrate – perhaps alone, but still all together. The promises of hope, renewal, and new life are more meaningful than ever before as we all yearn for a fresh start and for our lives to begin anew.

And Christ has still risen. Easter came…it came just the same.