Hidden Blessings
An Easter Reflection by an anonymous St. Max Parishioner
Egg hunts, special chocolate eggs picked out from the department store, a new dress for church, singing Alleluia, an Easter basket with more goodies and counting up coins from the hunt. A yummy ham dinner, deviled eggs, and one year a bunny cake! So many blessings, these memories from childhood. Yet how many more blessings are there hidden from view or those that go unnoticed. How much God abundantly blesses me and each one of us every day and particularly in the Mass.
As a child, the basket and goodies were the matter of Easter, but now as an adult, I am more focused on the fact that Jesus, Our Lord, has risen! He has conquered death! Good Friday is over. I want to rejoice in His Resurrection. I still love hearing Alleluia sung throughout the Mass. My daughter even tried to count them one year. I enjoy the sprinkling of holy water, too. When you see Father coming with the branches, you know you are going to get wet and I chuckle with my family in the pew as we bless ourselves.
I pray for my family and other intentions that are close to my heart: my daughter's wedding, a decision that has to be made. Usually during the Eucharistic prayer, I pray for my deceased grandparents and other people in my life who have passed, especially those who have helped me with my faith.
Many years ago, I read about how at Mass that all of heaven and earth are united. There are the angels and saints worshiping God and souls in purgatory present, too. It gives me peace knowing that my loved ones are close by as we worship God together at Mass. At Communion, we receive the Eucharist. Christ, the Living God, His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity! He pours out His graces on each of us abundantly. How our hearts are filled.
The chocolate or a new outfit pales in comparison to His graces. Maybe it is the grace of more patience in an upcoming situation or greater trust in Him. Maybe He is healing a bit of a wound in my soul that still festers at times. Whatever the grace, Jesus has united Himself to me. Our Lord is present in us! We are transformed little by little with each Mass we attend to be just a little bit more like Jesus. What a gift each Mass is. This is why Mass with my family is important not only on Easter but on every Sunday.
Please know you and your family are welcome to join us for Mass at St. Max. May you see the Risen Lord and His blessings in your life. Happy Easter!