Do you have plans for this weekend?
As I was checking out at the grocery store yesterday, the clerk asked me if I had any plans for tomorrow. I was startled by the question. My day had been fairly calm thus far but only due to good preparation followed by a forced rest. This second shopping trip of the day was the completion of at least the third round of anxiety concerning Easter Vigil planning and other Holy Week events.
So I coughed out a laugh, and said, “Ya, Mass.” then nervously muttered a follow up of “and then Mass again actually.” Depending on how you define the day, I actually had 3 Masses, but hey, who’s counting.
Ignoring the guy behind me in line laughing, “ha, Mass” in a whatever-esque tone, I thanked the clerk while accepting my change and went off to finish the last minute sweep for items that would need to be transported to the chapel. I did not think much of it at the time, though mostly because I was deliberately pushing all thoughts out.
I’ll take a moment to say the Vigil went beautifully. I felt peace during that Mass that was more common when I first started altar serving for this parish. All the servers were fantastic and on point all night. The choir was great. And of course the priest was wonderful also. My stress was mostly due to other issues and with how I handle organizing things. Someone afterward complemented my calm approach so apparently I hide it well.
After another couple of lovely Masses this morning I was helping break down the Mass kit etc for transport. I recalled the comment by that clerk, and that it was not the first, or even second time I had heard that question this week. One of my current jobs has me traveling around the metroplex to different offices each day. While doing my work the employees engage in their normal workday including ideal chatter.
A visitor asked a couple of receptionists if they had plans for the weekend. One lady shyly answered that she was going to a play at her church. If her voice could be seen it would paint the image of a battered wife hesitantly giving an answer she is certain will result in fists flying. This woman was rescued from whatever ridicule she feared by her coworker cheerfully announcing that she would be taking her children to a park. As the two chatted the visitor discussed her plans to be home with her family and then the conversation moved on.
Do you have any plans for this weekend? The question is reaching, seeking. Not for the simple answer of the motions one will go through. No. It asks, begs, to know that you recognize there is importance to This weekend, to This day. Tell me it’s not just me, it asks. Tell me something special has happened, is happening, will happen... and then tell me what to do about it.
In a world that wants all ways to be equal, except the tried and true because clearly that’s oppressive, is it any wonder no one knows how to fully celebrate the risen Lord? The people cling to the answers they know. How does one celebrate anything? Have a party. Hang out with family. Some recognizing the religious foundation to the joy, those who typically only go to church when they feel like it, or feel guilty for something, that don’t even go on Christmas because that day is reserved for family; they will go to church for a reason that rarely occurs to them. They will attend service for the liturgy, for the story of the day, to hear of Christ risen.
But they are left uncertain with their answers. Is this enough? Party more! Make the day Really great! So they ask around to see what others are up to. Maybe I’m reading to much into small talk. But why this weekend? Nobody asks it at Christmas. Of course you have Christmas plans. At Christmas the question is What are your plans. But Easter? The truth of the day calls out to all of us. There is such profound joy, relief, awe at the reality of the empty tomb. The reality is written into the universe and will not be denied.
It intrigues me to see evidence of the struggle. People wanting more but not knowing what or why. I go to church, that’s enough right? If not that, then at least they have religion. If not that, then spirituality. Does that not satisfy?
I don’t claim to have all the answers. Christ does though. Conveniently he left a church behind to help us sort these things out. And if that’s not enough of a sell point, when you’re feeling the after-party melancholy, wishing for more, recall that Catholics feast for 8 days, not just one, then have another 42 days of a joyous Easter season to look forward to :)
Happy Easter!