Easter Sunday

So You Must Do

Did we fall asleep last night as we entered into the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus? Jesus asked that his followers pray and be present, to recognize the anguish of suffering. On the first night of the Holy Triduum, we too were asked to be aware of the suffering of many in our world today, to pay attention, to not fall asleep.

Ron Rolheiser observes that in John’s gospel read last night, we don’t hear about the institution of the Eucharist. The gesture of washing feet replaces that institution. Ron says, “It specifies what the Eucharist is in fact meant to do, namely, to lead us out of church and into the humble service of others.” Jesus modeled a new kind of leadership and service.

Each Sunday, we are sent with words like, “Go forth and live the Gospel.” Yes, we are indeed being led out of church and into service.

“As I have done so you must do.” To bow and to kneel, to act with love and compassion, to recognize the humanity and goodness of all of God’s creation is to do as Jesus did. Jeannine Grammick offers some ways that we wash feet today.

We wash feet when we make a phone call to a friend inviting her to dinner or a party. We wash feet when we smile at a senior citizen and bid him a bright “Good morning”. We wash feet when we scratch the chin of a cat, stroke her fluffy fur, and hear her purr “Thank you”. We wash feet when we write to our Congressperson or the White House to support a proposed bill to enhance human welfare or end violence.” (paxchristiusa.org/2021/03/31/reflection-for-holy-thursday-april-1/)

One of my favorite songs at Easter is “Roll Away the Stone.” Easter 2021 seems the perfect time to acknowledge the need we have to see the Glory of God. Let’s roll away all the stones and tombs depicted here, all the “they have been saying” and proclaim new life! We rise too when we cast away the stones and the tombs in our lives. Let it be so this Easter!

These are the lyrics to “Roll Away the Stone”

They have been saying all our plans are empty.
They have been saying “Where is their God now?”
Roll away the stone see the Glory of God. Roll away the stone.

They have been saying no one will remember.
They have been saying Power rules the world.
Roll away the stone see the Glory of God. Roll away the stone.

They have been saying no one hears the singing.
They have been saying all our strength is gone.
Roll away the stone see the Glory of God. Roll away the stone.

They have been saying “All of us are dying.”
They have been saying “All of us are dead.”
Roll away the stone see the Glory of God. Roll away the stone.