Reawakening the deeper connection to Easter
Easter speaks in ways that only the heart and soul understands.
Sometimes though, life is so busy that Easter gets overshadowed and we don’t hear what the soul is saying. When that happens, we miss so many blessings. It requires a heart adjustment to reawaken the desire for Christ within us.
A couple of years ago, my husband was finishing up his degree at night while working every day. Our life had gotten very hectic, making the Lenten season fly by and we found ourselves wishing for more … something deeper.
We realized it, prayed about it and finally decided to take a break from everyone and everything. We loaded up the car and we headed to Subiaco to experience the Easter Vigil Service on Saturday night at the St. Benedict Catholic Church.
There are no words to explain how the traditional and ceremonial aspect of the evening event impacted us. It was just what we needed to recenter ourselves and get back on an even keel.
The church and its music are breathtaking. The service begins at sunset with an Easter fire outside the church. This symbolizes the church keeping watch, celebrating the resurrection of Christ and awaiting His return.
The lights are off inside the church, with each person outside holding a
small candle. A large Paschal candle receives its flame from the Easter fire, and the flame from the large candle is passed to the smaller candles.
In turn, each person shares their flame with the person next to them. A procession slowly begins to make its way into the church with the flames illuminating the sanctuary.
It is a lovely Easter service, with so many reminders of God’s love for us. If you’ve never experienced it, I would recommend going. You don’t have to miss your Sunday morning service, especially if you visit a local or surrounding Catholic church on Saturday evening.
Should you be interested in going to Subiaco, the Coury House provides room and board just as a regular hotel does. That is where we stayed. It is not a fourstar hotel, but it is very homey. The beds vary in sizes, so ask what size if you decide to go there. Meals are available in the guest dining room located in the main monastery building. Call 479934-4411 for reservations or questions. There are other hotels in the area, if you prefer.
Tours are given at the Monastery all year, if you don’t wish to miss your church’s service. You are free to walk around the grounds of the Abbey. You can find more information at countrymonks. org, or Arkansas.com.
Happy Easter to you and your family, may you find joy and contentment. Share your Easter blessings with me.