I heard a great homily recently. The question was asked: why do we tend to remember our “Good Friday” experiences more than the Easter ones? 
People can usually report the wounds and hurts they’ve been dealt in life. It’s easy to recall every detail of insults or failures or even simple disappointments. But what about all the Easter moments?
There’s the friend who speaks just the right words of support. And the sun made visible after days and days of rain! Easter moments are those when our hearts suddenly feel lighter and we know this comes from God within us. They’re the everyday miracles that occur unexpected and in ways we had never imagined. The awe-inspiring beauty of nature, encounters with people who are deep-down good, and confidence that life can break forth from the tomb of pain and death—-these are flashes of Easter joy that are real. May we recognize them!
On one of my final days in Rome last week, I woke up to quite a surprise when the city was blanketed in snow. Many took on the delight of children again, making snow “people,” running and laughing with joy. Everything else seemed to come to a stop. It became for me a good day to pack and prepare to return home.
State University in Joplin, Missouri, we have 27 open and committed university students participating in the Busy Student Retreat. Together, we listen to the Spirit of God, who leads us ever deeper into prayer, faith, and the life journey with Jesus. What could be better?
This morning, as I reflected on the story of Mary, I felt awe at the miracle that occurred for her. When the angel tells her she’ll bear a son whose kingdom will never end, she learns it will happen by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that “nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary’s simple yes is: “May it be done to me according to your word.” It sounds so easy—maybe because we’ve heard the story so many times. But imagine the miracle she was saying yes to. She recognized it, consented to it, and lived it.
What wonders happen in our everyday lives? Do we take time to relish them, be grateful, and agree to God’s power acting in us? Perhaps a family member has recovered from illness. . . a work project’s been successful . . . a friendship strengthened. Has a winter sunrise amazed you . . . a warm fire comforted you? Remember that fantastic solar eclipse in August? Listen closely to the miracles in your life, and say “YES.” That’s the true music of Christmas.
But Advent is less than 4 months away!