Happy Easter!

O God, 

We saw the bread crumbs, emptied vessels, damp towels
Scattered over the shaking floor of our faith.
Justice was swept under the rug of violence
And redemption hung in the balance of a cross.
Just when all seemed lost and death began to dance
The long night came to an end.
               Dying you destroyed our death.

At dawn, on the first day of the week
We pulled ourselves away from tear-stained pillows
And walked in tired mourning to the place
Where unguarded, the stone, was rolled away,
Revealing an empty tomb
Full of life and possibility!
The earth shook with the news, "He is not here!"
               Rising you restored our life!

Light shines and lilies bloom.
You are with us again in this upper room.
We sigh and laugh at stories of darkness past.
At your table we eat and sing
Alleluia! Alleluia! Bells of blessing ring!
We dare to touch each other's hands and side.
Peace is your gift, Love is our guide.
               Lord Jesus, come in glory!

- David L. Coppola

All beauty in the world is either a memory of paradise or a prophecy of the transfigured world. ~ Nikolai Berdyaev