Isn't it a gift that Alleluias come in different shapes and sizes and tempos and volumes? Some are loud and bright, accompanied with trumpets and timpani. Some are quiet, hummed as we go about our business. Some are sung or said through gritted teeth.
They all mean the same thing. "Praise the Lord." They all count.
Alleluia is not about feeling happy or about having a smiley face. Alleluia is a choice.
The Lucernarium of the Easter Vigil, as the light takes hold again in the darkness and spreads from one person to another, is one of the most graphic reminders of how faith works, for me. There are some dark moments. Most of us know the feeling of having our candle sputter or even go completely out. But in this ritual, as the candles are being lit and the flame passed from hand to hand, we have a perfect chance to remember: those splutters and temporary dark moments are never the end of the story.
Jesus is risen.
That will be true forever, no matter what comes.
He has defeated death and evil.
That will be true forever, no matter what trials we face.
Sadness and suffering are part of our human experience. Jesus knew them, too. But even suffering and sadness are redeemed for us, because he has passed through them to the other side, and we are never left alone in our pain. He is with us always.
Our job in those dark moments is to help each other remember.
The gift of Easter as a season in the liturgical year instead of a single day is beautiful wisdom on the part of the Church. Lent was long. Sometimes, we show up at the empty tomb still ready to mourn, and it takes a little while for the light of dawn to hit our hearts. Many of the disciples (who had the benefit of seeing the risen Jesus right in front of them!) didn’t get it immediately. It’s okay if we don’t, either.
Jesus is risen.
That is true for every single person.
Even if we don’t feel like celebrating, it doesn’t stop being true.
Jesus is risen.
At the start of Holy Week, we set out to follow him, singing, "I have decided to follow Jesus." We can keep deciding that very same thing…to put one foot in front of the other, to let him lead, and to see where he takes us.
Jesus is risen.
If we keep walking with him, we can spend the next 50 days finding out what that means in our lives.
Jesus is risen.
He is risen, indeed.
If you're looking to discover some new Alleluias this year (or just want to keep them ringing in the background as you go about your day), try our new Easter Alleluia playlist.
listen on Spotify
listen on Apple Music
listen on YouTube
