I've been quiet for so long, I think it's time to talk.
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Easter's a big let down, isn't it. Not a question BTW. I always thought Easter was rather protestant - isn't that odd? I think it's because it's all about the clothes - and some of the hymns too. I really do. I was in Our Lady's chapel before Mass and I could hear the women as they came in squealing over each other's outfits. The male ushers were throwing compliments around as if they were trying to pick up chicks. One guy boasted that his new suit went perfectly with his shiny new car. Nothing wrong with that - it's people stuff and it is just fine - so I'm not complaining. Just talking.
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Spiritually bi-polar.
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Actually, Easter itself isn't the let down - maybe it's just the observance or the expectation which makes it seem so spiritually bi-polar. If you follow Holy Week intensely, especially Good Friday and Holy Saturday - it can get pretty heavy. Then when Easter Sunday suddenly bursts upon you, you are supposed to be all joyful and triumphant - even though you are still trying to get over Good Friday. See what I mean? Crying your eyes out one day and jumping up and down the next - yes - they do that in the Middle east - they go nuts. I think I've learned to handle it however. I remind myself we just commemorate Christ's passion - even though he's alive and well in heaven. Then on Easter I tell myself he was risen all along and we just commemorate the resurrection on Easter. Otherwise it's just too nuts. The Russians know this because their Easter greeting, 'Christos voskres!' sounds like 'Christ was crazy!' Kind of. It doesn't mean that of course.
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Pewsitters.
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As usual, Church was so crowded and I think that is just wonderful. I was actually delighted to have kids crawling over me all through Mass - they were so cute. Nope. I'm not being sarcastic either. I loved it. I don't have kids and never wanted any - but I enjoy watching them play and crawl around the pews.
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I had a new appreciation for those people who save up all their devotion for Ash Wednesday, Easter and Christmas - I think it is a wonderful thing, what they do. Even though they do not go to Mass at other times during the year, I figured, at least they must be thinking about it, otherwise they probably wouldn't make it on the days they think are important. I was able to sit in between two devout families and in front of me was another couple who seemed to be Easter Catholics - I assumed they were with their adult children and grandchildren. I like seeing that - or being with them, you might say. It reminds me of how important it is to be kind and welcoming to others who may not be regular church goers. Not to judge or snub or glad-hand them either. Some people just don't like churchy behavior. I know!
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Chocolate!!!!!!!!!!!!
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After Mass I stopped at Walgreen's to see what Easter candy they had left, but my favorites were all sold out. On my way home I noted that the grocery stores were closed and I felt kind of sad for Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and Hindus (Minneapolis has tons of them) - what are they supposed to do today? As soon as I got home, I checked the big bowl of fresh fruit I put out for the rabbit, looks as if she ate most of it, with the help of squirrel family of course. Then I ate some chocolate.
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Oh - I forgot to mention I wore jeans to Mass, and no one gave me dirty looks. Maybe I make too much of what I wear? Could be.
Happy Easter once again - thanks for your cards, I appreciate them, even though I forget to send them myself. Praying for you and with you in the novena to the Divine Mercy.
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Art: EsterHazy, Michael Sowa
