Easter Tuesday Reflections ~ Living Abundantly during a Pandemic-Fran Duffy, Calgary

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Mary Magdalene, first apostle to the apostles, went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!!” I had written a blog contribution for this site yesterday but after a walk and some divine inspiration, followed by a viewing of Archbishop Don Bolen of Regina ( www.archregina.sk.ca/  )  Holy Thursday/Good Friday message I felt compelled to adjust the post. In the original I echoed some of Mary Magdalene’s excitement and energy.  I was wanting to find a way to keep alive the love, hope and joy that I experienced on Easter Sunday, almost to the point of giddiness, through the remaining days of this pandemic. I reflected on how COVID-19  has affected my life and how it seemed to make Holy Week even heavier than normal because of what I have lost or needed to adjust as a result. I didn’t want the feelings of worry, fear and helplessness which so gripped me before Easter. While out on my walk I came to realize that I am one of the very lucky ones, and my would-be post reflected a position of great abundance and privilege. It became very clear that except for my age of 65, and the necessary inconveniences of social distancing and self-isolating,  I have not been personally touched by this pandemic nor have I been hurt in any way. I have not lost my job; I am secure in my retirement; I have some savings; I do not have anyone I am directly responsible for financially or medically; I do not have a family member who is in a nursing home or hospital fighting to survive; I have a safe and comfortable place to live. I can afford groceries and even treats; I can pay my bills; I am not struggling to balance family responsibilities while working from home.

Sadly, many others do not have this same experience during this pandemic. Their experience is exactly the opposite. Some cannot even stand in a graveyard to mourn the loss of a loved one and some who have died have no one to claim their bodies, only to be buried in a mass burial site. It dawned on me that the joy, hope and love I was feeling that I identified as an Easter blessing is not the reality for many of those in my neighborhood, and surely not my city, nor province, nor country or beyond. So what do I do with that reality? Where does this gift from abundance go when so many are living from significant scarcity? I think that possibly it is the responsibility of all of us fortunate ones to hold the blessing of hope, love and joy that I have received with deep gratitude. I must remember this especially when feeling down about what I can’t do, or who I can’t see, over the coming days. However, I think even more so I must reflect on what I can do to protect others and myself from the COVID virus. Being part of the senior community, my options are limited. However, I must remember to pray with and for my brothers and sisters in this world who are broken, and suffering and who find it difficult to see any blessing in each day despite the coming and going of Easter Sunday. If opportunities open up when I can help others safely I will do that.

I do have an abundance of blessings in my life. I hope I can share the abundance of love, hope, joy and compassion with which I have been blessed. I can hold the Easter Candle and carry the message of Mary Magdalene metaphorically in my life. That is something I can do, and I think I know how to do that. Hopefully it will help us all get through this pandemic. Hopefully with more love, hope and joy.

Comments

  1. Jane KApril 15, 2020 at 9:03 AM

    This is a beautiful reflection, Fran, and I join you in giving thanks for the abundance of blessings I enjoy.

    In the Gospel of John, after the encounter of Mary with Christ risen, he says to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren & say to them, I am ascending to my Father & your Father, to my God & your God."

    This directive of physical distancing is especially poignant this year. Mary yearned to embrace her beloved from whom she was so cruelly separated. Being told not to touch, or hold, him must have increased her anguish. But it gives impetus to her mission to 'go and tell'.

    Today, we hear stories from those who can't be with their loved ones as they die or give them the burial they would normally provide. They feel compelled to tell their stories of anguish as a way to reach out to others and seek solace in being listened to, not doubted. I pray that their experience brings new life to the way our beloved elderly are cared for, especially when they can no longer be cared for by their families.

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  2. JudithApril 15, 2020 at 12:56 PM

    WOW! WOW! WOW! Fran, your words leave me completely without words. You so eloquently spoke to what has been moving in many of us, I am sure. And Jane also. Thank you both.

    Something of a different nature, and yet the same in some ways, is in regard to my sister who was in a retirement home in Toronto.. Almost two weeks ago they had the first case of the virus in the personal care part of the home. When she phoned and told her son Scott he said "Mom, do you want to come here to our home?" She gathered a few things that would fit on her walker, and he picked her up later in the day. There have now been 30 cases in the home, and 7 deaths. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to Scott, and having her safe was the greatest Easter joy for me. In a way, it was like a resurrection for her as she arose from her fear and entered into a place of safety and love. But what about those who have no chance to rise and go where it is safe? Who can't rise from poverty, hunger, addictions, loneliness, prejudice, lack of justice, grief ........ We often talk about things "getting back to normal". Hopefully, many of us will no longer be content with the normal of the past, but will work tirelessly to do all we can to bring about a new normal in our city, our province, our country, our world.






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    Replies
    1. FranApril 15, 2020 at 3:55 PM

      Thank you Jane and Judith for your touching words in response to my post.
      Jane I was really struck by your reflection regarding Mary Magdalene not being able to touch hug or anything else physical with her beloved Jesus. I never really thought of her response as amazing as it is. It must have been excruciating to see Jesus but not touch him. Such faith she had and such fortitude. Thanks for that and I will reflect on this more.

      Judith your words really echo stories on The Current on CBC this morning regarding the men and women in care homes during this pandemic and those family members on the outside and the many emotions, including guilt that they carry. I pray that when we arise from the isolation and physical distancing with this pandemic. that we can do much better in honoring and caring for our seniors who require a setting such as a nursing home.

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