Easter 2021 Reflections

𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞. ⁣
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I didn’t grow up observing this day. On the contrary, I grew up in a fundamentalist vacuum that frowned on anything having to Easter due to pagan influences on the traditions surrounding this day. As I broke away from my restrictive upbringing, I remained open to the over-the-top Easter performances/productions that were a main staple in the new world that I called home. However, no matter how great the production, there was always an overwhelming sense of exhaustion once it was over. And to be honest, I find it easier to connect with Jesus when there isn’t an expectation for me to perform. ⁣
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Despite it being Resurrection Sunday, I still hesitated to step into church today. Although the state of Arizona has lifted many of its restrictions surrounding gatherings and mask-wearing, I still can’t help but view the congregation as a virus-hungry petri-dish. ⁣
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Throughout 2020, I’ve been super-careful to follow all of the CDC guidelines for COVID prevention. However, I still ended up testing positive for COVID last month. While I’m grateful that my symptoms were minimal, I honestly thought I was suffering from seasonal allergies. With that in mind, I can’t help wonder who all I would have passed the virus to if I had attended church during that time…. I have multiple church friends who are cancer survivors, who have compromised immunity, and who fit the “at-risk” category…….I wonder if I would have infected them, and if so, if they would have lived. Thankfully, I do not have to live with that regret. ⁣
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I know several church attenders who are very vocal anti-maskers, who are mega-church members of churches that ridicule and denounce mask-wearing and social distancing, and that have tested positive for COVID. In like manner, I can’t help but wonder how many members of their churches and community were infected and/or died because they were practicing what they believe to be their “𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮”. To be honest, this saddens me and I’m struggling with knowing how to relate to this self-centered form of religiosity. Perhaps, this is something that you can help me pray about. ⁣
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I am now vaccinated and should be clear to attend church starting next week. Nevertheless, I am treading this step with nervousness and uncertainty. I’m not sure where I will be attending yet. I just know that it’s time for me to decide and it’s a painful process. There are pre-COVID practices that I wish to embrace and some that I am choosing to leave behind me……. I guess it’s time for a Resurrection. ⁣
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Blessings, ⁣
John-Eli