Easter Joy Is Everywhere!

If you make it to the Easter Vigil celebration in my parish, you are guaranteed a healthy dose of joy . . . along with a scrumptious breakfast! But it's not easy to get there on time. We celebrate the Easter Vigil early Sunday morning, always timed so that sunrise occurs just about the time we are initiating our catechumens, those adults who have been preparing to be baptized or to make a profession of faith into the Catholic church. This means, of course, that we experience a good deal of the Easter Vigil liturgy in darkness before sunrise. We usually begin about 5:00 am in total darkness and end (ideally) in bright sunshine.

Those who come that early truly want to worship and truly want to celebrate the Easter story. When the liturgy ends, we bask in the joy of Jesus' resurrection, and that joy is enhanced by the fact that we have all successfully made it through the darkest, coldest hour of the night.

I wish you could have seen James bounding down the church steps after it was all over. No question he got his dose of joy! James was a candidate for profession of faith this year. I had the opportunity to be his catechist for a couple of sessions this spring. He's a bright, reflective, and deeply spiritual man. He will be a great contributor to the faith our community. He lives in walking distance from the Church, so as I watched him turn the corner toward home, I found myself thinking of Jesse Manibusan's song Joy is Everywhere.

Joy, for a brand new start.
Joy, from a grateful heart.
Joy, when we do our part.
Joy is everywhere!

James gets a brand new start on his faith journey, and his enthusiasm is contagious. He's given me a fresh start also.

Joy is more than just elation that comes and goes away. . . .
Joy's the gift and affirmation that love resides in you.
Love resides in me. Love resides, never hides,
rejoices in the truth.

The Easter season is a time when we should allow the joy of our faith to be contagious. We rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of new life. We rejoice that we have completed our Lenten journey. Darkness has ended, and light has come! We proclaim our joy just as the psalmist does: %alt

My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast,
and my mouth praises you with joyful lips
for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me (Ps 63:5, 7-8).

Remember also, joy is more than a fleeting feeling. Even if you don't feel joy at the moment, you can still claim its benefits! Jesus is risen! Alleluia! Everlasting life for all!

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Spirit Compass reflections are developed in partnership
with the Center for Ministry Development.