Living as an 'Easter Person'
by Lorene Hanley Duquin
Whenever you experience something that is life-changing, energizing, transforming or joyful, you catch a glimpse of what it means to be an "Easter person."
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. The word resurrection" means "to stand up again."
Jesus "stood up again" on Easter when he emerged from the tomb. It is one of the great paradoxes of life. What seemed to be over was just the beginning. What seemed to be a terrible tragedy was transformed into the greatest miracle of all time.
As "Easter people" we know that goodness can overcome evil. We understand that even in the darkest moments of our lives, there is a promise of new life, new hope, new energy, new possibilities. We can be renewed, re-energized, re-created.
During this special time of year we have a chance to focus on what resurrection means in our lives and help our fellow parishioners do the same.
This Easter, will you . . .
• let go of bad habits, judgmental attitudes, negative outlooks?
• let go of anger or resentment toward someone who hurt you?
• ask for forgiveness from someone you have hurt?
• reach out to someone who needs a kind word or a helping hand?
• set aside time to work on your spiritual life?
• stand up for something that is important?
If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then you understand the power and the promise of being an "Easter person." Go and live that promise.
Let us know what YOU think, and what's working for you, by emailing us at yyoung@osv.com.
Economy Blues, Unemployment Woes, Got Your Parish Down?
Author Lorene Hanley Duquin provides advice on ways to personally handle the tough times that many are suffering during economic stress, and ways to help others in the same situation. Her suggestions are available in a pamphlet coming soon from Our Sunday Visitor titled "When Someone Loses a Job." (Call 800-348-2440 to preorder.) Here is a prayer for such stressful times:
A Prayer for Job Seekers
Gracious and loving God, you know our need for meaningful work. Send your Holy Spirit to guide those who are searching for employment. Help them to recognize the gifts and talents you have given them Deepen their desire to follow your will. Inspire them as they contact potential employers. Give them patience as they wait for responses.
Shelter them from feelings of rejection. Protect them from discouragement. Give them courage to overcome fear.
Shower on them the graces they need to persevere. Let this time of searching become an opportunity to grow in faith, to cultivate the virtue of hope, and to experience your healing love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
