Embrace the New

A Reflection on the Psalm for April 12th, 2020:
The Solemnity of Easter Sunday

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​Psalm 118

R. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever. Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 

R. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

“The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.” I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. 

R. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 

​R. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

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Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

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Alleluia! The Lord is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Let us rejoice and be glad!
Praise to you O Lord, praise and glory to You! Holy be Your name! Alleluia! Alleluia!


It is wonderful to say these words in praise of our God—how wonderful His presence feels. The gift of His love for us and the grace that we receive from Him that enables us to try to be saints in this world are reasons to rejoice!


These days, in our self isolation, or quarantine, or what I jokingly refer to as “house arrest,” we are presented with many opportunities to think and reflect and yes, REJOICE! It is not the end of the world! Rather, it is the beginning of a new one! As we “stay the blazes home” we have the opportunity to spend more time with the kids, with our spouses, or our housemates. There are chances for more conversations—deeper conversations with them. A lot of jokes are being shared amongst our families and friends on social media. It is amazing how creative people are and how witty they can be, seeing the humour in these very different circumstances.


Most importantly, though, there is more time for prayer. My classmates and I take turns to say the rosary every hour. Since we are in different time zones, we are able fill up the 24 hours needed. What a wonderful opportunity to pray and intercede for one another and for the world. I pray our priests and pastors as well as our doctors, nurses, and caregivers feel the extra boost of strength and wisdom as we pray hard for them.


This Easter will be more meaningful for me as I try to replace old practices with new ones. There are blessings like being able to attend weekday masses online, something I couldn’t participate in before as I work a full time job. I have also been able to share our parish's Livestreamed masses with friends and family outside of our province.


True, we cannot go to confession, but every little sacrifice I make (like being extra patient when irritating things happen) serves as a sort of penance for the sins that I’ve committed. The sacrifice then becomes more meaningful.


Yesterday, after two weeks of working from home, I visited my office to get more work to bring home. I appreciated the open space, the breeze, and the tweeting of the birds evidencing that spring is here (never mind that there are snow flurries as I write this). I used to take these things for granted. I feel the presence of God more as I take time to appreciate His creation. I realize now too, that less is more. There is now more of God and less of me; more interceding for others and less praying for myself. How the world has changed in such a short time!


Praise to you Lord! Praise and glory to you! Alleluia!




Liz Venezuela

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

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