As Catholic Christians, our next major feast is Pentecost – the celebration of Gods self-revelation in the person of the Holy Spirit. It comes 50 days after Easter and this year falls on Sunday May 31st.
I think if we are honest with ourselves, we are hoping that by that time we will be able to loosen the restrictions on quarantine – perhaps replaced to a certain degree with new protocols on distancing, gatherings, wearing masks or other precautionary measures. What the changes will be will gradually become evident.
In the meantime, what shall we do go get through these next 50 days? How can we approach the 7 weeks between Easter and Pentecost in a way that can help us deal with the ambiguity of this time?
Perhaps it will be helpful to remember that Jesus was still very much present between Easter and Pentecost. Yet his appearances were not so much of a series of events as they were markers in a journey. We see in the post-resurrection appearances a growing awareness by the disciples, and the Christian community, of the immensity of the implications of the resurrection.
And perhaps that is a good way for you and I to begin this journey through the Easter season. Take time over these next 50 days to reflect on how we see Jesus, are visited by Jesus, in the midst of this pandemic ….. and discover in those reflections the implications of our encounters.