Friar Gary Johnson, Director of the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City MD, wrote the following for the Shrine’s newsletter –
“Something strange is happening….” These are first words of an ancient Holy Saturday homily. I share them here because I love this homily that is recorded for us in the Office of Readings in Volume II of the Liturgy of the Hours. It’s worth reading. It imagines what actions Jesus was making on our behalf, and on behalf of all those who died prior to his death and Resurrection, as he appeared to lie lifeless in the tomb. He reaches all the way back to even Adam and Eve! I also share this with you because I sense “strange” is a fitting way to describe the whole Easter Season and our entire Catholic Christian lives in the eyes of our uncertain and worried world.
...We do not grieve like some who sense no hope after the loss of a loved one. We no longer flee from the lepers in our lives but instead are led like St. Francis of Assisi by the sweetness of offering them compassion.
...“Strange” might even be the word that comes out of your own mouth as you see how the Spirit-led life is taking shape within you – resulting from Jesus’ gift of resurrected life to you. My advice, fasten your seat belts and hold on to Jesus and to one another tight!
You can read the entire reflection and get more news about the Shrine in their April newsletter.
