By Staff
April 7, 2001
We live in a world where religion is not always a priority.
We have evidence in our culture that shows us faith is not always important, but rather indulging in self pleasure is the norm. In a society where babies are aborted, very little reverence for the elderly is shown, assisted suicide is tolerated and we shun the physically impaired, it is difficult to focus on God.
Our world's population has almost developed a numb acceptance of violence of all kinds and lacks any visible respect for life. In fact, in some cases, it is almost non-existent.
I remember as a child church was of great importance. Our religious training and daily church attendance were a given. Every Wednesday in our small Northern town was church night and nothing else was planned that evening. Even the schools did not schedule activities on that night. This applied to ALL denominations and creeds.
I also recollect that on Sunday, the stores were closed, people sat on their porches, children played in the yards and gleeful giggles and squeals came from their midst. Doors were unlocked, neighbors knew neighbors and really cared about them. Life was filled with "to do" things with family.
Now, I am not proposing that we return to those days. We know it was not always perfect, but there was a lot of value in what we had and shared. It that kind of life would be almost impossible today. I am suggesting that we need a resurrection!
As the celebration of Easter nears, the idea of resurrection is constantly present to me. How do we get back to a simpler life and a revived deeper and sincere yearning for a new beginning? Where do we start? I suggest we start in our own homes.
I propose we begin again to value family and all that this idea proposes. One solution would be to spend time with our family. Plan special times other than a planned vacation and big holiday bashes. Be aware and interested in how your spouse and children are coping with regular and serious life issues. Pray together, cry together, mourn together, laugh together and discover a deeper meaning of "being a family."
Active participation in the church of your choice is a wonderful example for your children to emulate. Discuss things even the difficult ones in a family atmosphere where love is evident. Then, our children will not look for "help" in so many other places. Guide your children in good moral judgments backed with what is given to us in the holy scriptures. Respecting life is of paramount importance and it begins with each of us having value for ourselves and others.
Our children hear us argue, why not let them see and hear that we love one another? Putting Christ back as the center of the family could be rejuvenating and be a grace-filled time. Yes, a resurrection! A change!
When Mary saw Jesus in the garden after the resurrection, he was not recognized; the resurrection had changed him. Do we dare do spiritual acts and pray to enable us to "be changed? " If we change, those around us will naturally be affected by the beauty that they see. We might even be recognized as true Christians. Yes, not just "talking the talk" but actually "walking the walk."
Look forward to the Easter celebration with renewed hope. We can change the world even in our own city … our own neighborhood … even in our own home. Let us ask the Lord to create in us a clean heart. He will do it!
So let us remember the "good ol' days." Remember what we learned from them and then allow ourselves to be resurrected. At the same time, remember to give thanks for all that has been, all that is, and all that will be.
Scripture tells us that "eye has not seen, ear has not heard what God has ready for those who love him." Love him, but dare to live that LOVE.
Happy Easter!
Sister Andre' Burkhart is pastoral associate of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Catholic churches.