Dear Parishioners,
I live with a two year old. Now for those of you who know, that means that there is always activity, always chatter, and always a little presence you have to be aware of. Because of Easter, we are doing egg hunts. This means we hide the 6 plastic eggs in plain sight, while the little one goes and finds them. There used to be more! She gets so excited even when it is hidden in the same spot over and over. She doesn’t tire of the game. Something else that recently happened was that I pulled my phone from my pocket and out spilled the small wooden cross I have in my pocket. Little Harper saw this and said, “Baby Jesus!” We were all surprised even though we have read to her about the Nativity and other stories about Jesus. It told me that she has been touched by “Baby Jesus,” and that it is something we can build on and elaborate and connect to her life.
For me, it also points to the hope and promise that Easter brings. Little Harper doesn’t know about the suffering that Christ went through, the wonderful things he did and said, and his position as Son of God. She doesn’t know about church history, or the Mass, or the Eucharist yet. But the ground has been tilled and the seed planted. God is sharing His life with her in a simple way, and the Holy Spirit is at work.
The joy and beautiful morning of Easter has radiated out. The living presence of God is at work and has captured the mind and heart of another Christian, albeit a small and innocent one, whose new journey in Christ has only just begun. Thank you Lord for being with us. Thank you Lord for giving your life to us. Thank you for your promise and your loving presence that touches even the heart of a little child!
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
