The Big Dance
Each year, about this time, two things happen simultaneously.
In churches around the country, Easter is a "come early to get a good seat" occasion. In fact, it will probably be a come early to get a seat-at-all occasion in my parish. Lots of people will come to church for Easter, perhaps for the first time since Christmas. Some come out of a sense of obligation to family, some from a sense of tradition, and others know that even if they miss the regular Sundays of the year, this one is the big one — "the big dance."
Dan Schutte wrote a wonderful Easter song called Join in the Dance that invites us to . . .
And just like once-a-year basketball fans that filled arenas for three weeks, or watched at parties or on the couch at home, many won't know everything they should know or would know if they came more often. Many won't know the words of the songs. Some won't know how to behave. Lots will have to lean over during mass to get information about what is going on. But they will be there, participating in the "dance of the earth's jubilation."
And maybe, just maybe, they will feel the joy of our celebration of Easter. Perhaps they will look around and get infected by our faith and hope. It is possible that the smiles on our faces and the warmth of our greeting will inspire them to look a little more deeply at their own faith. And it is my guess that God will whisper in their ear a loving "welcome home" while they are with us.
Easter is our moment . . .
If a tournament can turn so many of us into college basketball fans, surely our celebration of Easter can turn around many a heart. Just like I get infected by the energy of those who are real fans of college basketball each March, I hope that this year my faith and celebration of Easter can be infectious as well. When the church is dark except for the flickering light of our candles, or when we are splashed with the waters of baptism, or when the alleluia is sung at the top of our lungs, I will pray that others will feel as I do. It is in those moments that I know that God — Father, Son, and Spirit — is truly alive and present. How could we not want to dance?
Spirit Compass reflections are developed in partnershipJoin in the dance of the earth's jubilation!
This is the feast of the love of God.
Shout from the heights to the ends of creation.
Jesus the Savior is risen from the grave. Love's triumphant day of victory, heaven opens wide.
It is the best we have.
On the tree of hope and glory death itself has died.
with the Center for Ministry Development.