The world fell silent on that Holy Saturday. The Lord who lowered himself to become a mere mortal man, in death went even lower. As he opened the gates of hell, we could not see his preaching and the legions coming to the sound of his voice and the promise of salvation.

This thought from todays Divine Office sermon in the daily Office of Readings made me think a lot differently today. The rain here last night stopped baseball and sports in its tracks across northern metro Atlanta. My day went from overfull to silent in outside activity. We were able to do what my heart really no desires, focus on preparing for the big religious celebration tomorrow.

I spent time with my father collecting a few final supplies for the big Easter feast. It was busy out in public, but the time we spent together reflectively. The children were at home with my wife, mother and sister prepping the house and the easter cake (A two foot tall bunny cake). When we arrived home we all decorated the eggs made with care in the morning by my mother, dad and I. My wife was checking out the clothing for Easter Sunday, and making sure we had enough of the vitial things like dark socks cleaned and folded. Then a final treat when my Dad took us all out for dinner...before we shuffled everyone off to bed.

Now the house is quieting down...only the two year old remains calling for anyone to get her out of the crib to play a few more hours (this kid does not sleep enough...GO GO GO).

I'm now reflecting on the incredible challenges we overcame, the love of friends helping us in deed and prayer through those challenges, and finally the growth my family went through spirituallyin the 40 days of Lent.

I am happy the world went silent today. It gave me the time to now go to bed with a long list of thanksgiving prayers I need to say.

The first to the Lord for his suffering and final victory. The rest to all those who followed his teachings to lift us up when we were down.

-ehw

On his way to the cross Veronica reached out to help Jesus. Most of us today can not fathom the bravery it took to do this act of mercy.

Remember the crowd was frenzied. The governing powers led poor in spirit around like sheep. Any sympathy to Jesus could lead to an enforcement gang immediately targeting you for death as well...without a trial and rather brutally..especially if you were a woman.

When you accept the call of Christ, you must live it out by both in your heart and in your deeds.

Jesus dined with sinners yes, but he called them to repent in their hearts live it in their actions. I submit to you he is calling each of us as well...

So to build his kingdom on earth we are called to be like Veronica. We are called to risk our lives to help Christ build his kingdom.

A quick look at the television today shows us the dangers that lie in wait for us...false accusations, projections, and yes even physical violence if we preach for and walk with Christ.

Will you take the risk to walk with Christ like Veronica? Or will you hide in the shadows?

As Easter Monday rises...what will your choice be?

-ehw

PS Techies...this was taken with a little Fujifilm X-20. Nice little camera. Converted to B&W in OnOne Perfect B&W

He is Risen!

And the world fell silent

Will You Help Him?