Blessed this Easter Sunday

Happy Easter my friend 😊

As we gather to celebrate Easter Sunday, commemorating the resurrection of Christ, it’s fitting to pause and reflect on this day, especially through the lens of gratitude.

This Easter, I found myself at a dawn mass, not in the pews of a church, but at a local abbey, surrounded by the early morning dark. As ever, I was late, which forced me to park a distance away, navigating the unfamiliar road by sparse light. It was the sound of hymns, echoing softly through the darkness, that guided me to the gathering—a warm feeling of community beckoned. The abbey, though no longer serving its original purpose, holds a sacred atmosphere. As dawn broke, revealing the faces of those around me and the architectural beauty of our surroundings, I was struck by a profound sense of connection to our ancestors who came here to worship before us. There was a time when the Irish, under persecution, celebrated mass in secrecy at Mass rocks, ever vigilant for the threat of discovery from British forces.

This morning, as we worshiped freely, surrounded by nature's chorus, I couldn’t help but feel a deep gratitude for the ability to practice our faith openly, a right that was hard-won and is still denied to many around the world.From the Christians persecuted in Nigeria to those in war-torn regions like Gaza and parts of Lebanon, who hold steadfast to their faith amidst conflict. The courage and resilience of these faithful are both humbling and inspiring to me.

This Easter, let us hold in our hearts gratitude for the freedom of belief and practice, remembering those who are not as fortunate. May the gift of faith, in all its diversity, be celebrated freely, or not celebrated at all if that is one's choice. May we never be compelled by a state to practice or forbidden to practice a faith. Let our freedom to choose never be taken for granted, and we must always be grateful for this choice.

Todays Reflection 🤔

Today, as you reflect on the message of Easter consider the freedoms you hold dear.Take a moment to reflect on the freedom to express your beliefs, your faith, or even the choice to explore spirituality on your own terms. Then, consider those around the world who face challenges and persecution for something we in free parts of the world take for granted.

Have a Blessed Easter Sunday ✝️

God Bless 🙏

Mike McCarthy