There it was in print on Instagram:
Since we’re canceling Easter this year . . .
Wait, what? We’re canceling Easter? Is that even possible?
As I read further, I realized what the writer meant was that her usual Easter lunch with extended family will not take place due to the social distancing requirements we’re all experiencing. That’s happening in a lot of families, isn’t it?
But CANCEL Easter? A lot of things have been canceled lately, but Easter?
I don’t know what your brain did when you read those words, but mine sent up all sorts of red flags!
During this time of worldwide pandemic, with all of the uncertainty, stress, and hopelessness so many people are experiencing, I need the hope of Easter more than ever.
We Christians call today Maundy Thursday. It’s the day we remember Jesus’ last extended time with his disciples prior to his arrest and eventual crucifixion. On that long-ago evening, three memorable events took place.
Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. Humility and servanthood.
Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. The bread to symbolize his body; the cup to symbolize his blood. His life given sacrificially for me—and you.
Jesus gave a new commandment. One of his last instructions to his disciples. Critically important “last words” he wanted them to remember before he died.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
“As I have loved you . . .” That’s a lot of love! An endless, selfless love extended to every person without discrimination. A love deep enough, mighty enough, to walk that lonely road to the cross and die to cover the sins of the world.
“Love one another.” Those words have been repeated so long I’m afraid they’re sometimes trite. We often tend to gloss over them, ignore them, forget them.
But during this unusual Holy Week in the year 2020, the new commandment given by Jesus so long ago is still valid; still urgent.
We’re experiencing Easter differently this year. The doors of many churches are closed. There is no shared communion. It feels like something’s missing.
But CANCEL Easter? It’s not possible.
Whether we recognize it, believe it, or claim it, Easter will happen this year. It’s not in our power to cancel it—and why, pray tell, would we want to? Resurrection Sunday will arrive!
Perhaps during this time of unconventional Easter experiences, we should return in our hearts to that first Holy Week. To Jesus’ example of becoming a humble servant. To his still-timely instruction to love our neighbors.
Perhaps we should celebrate Easter by creatively loving each other.
We don’t need community egg hunts, fancy dresses, or a bunny to do that.
