EASTER 2020

I'm taking a pause from my normal blogging to offer a bit of introspective thought. In Catholic tradition (shared by most of Christianity), the 40 days before Easter (which we call Lent) are a time of preparation; a time to consider the gifts that we have been given, a time to turn back to things that are really important; most of all, a time of repentance. Lent involves fasting, prayer, and reflection -- in my case, best done in solitude.

Are we not in the midst of a sort of global Lent? There are lessons to be learned from our isolation, from people becoming ill, and, in too many cases, dying without their loved ones. Little things -- stores not open, comfort items that are unavailable. My business is largely built on transactional law needed by small businesses -- who cannot pay for these services at present (call anyway -- we'll work something out). The magnitude of the economic hit won't be realized for some time yet.

I'm at home in my snug little ship surrounded by family. My hope is that, when this is all over, we do not forget some lessons that COVID has taught us: the importance of family over business, the joy of listening to birds in the morning, work as a form of prayer

(opus Dei -- that which we do should mimic and build on God's influence in our lives).

We are learning the lessons that our medieval ancestors knew and took as granted. I hope when things go back to normal:

normal is a bit more compassionate,

family oriented, and

accepting of worship in whatever form we choose (or don't choose).

ܡܫܝܚܐ ܩܡ! ܫܪܝܪܐܝܬ ܩܡ!‎

المسيح قام! حقا قام!

המשיח קם! באמת קם!‎

Χριστὸς ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη!‎‎

Христос воскресе! Воистину воскресе!

Christus resurrexit! Resurrexit vere!

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Paul Manigrasso, OFS