The contagious joy of new life

By Julie VanSpall

There's nothing like a pregnant belly or a new baby to connect people. Complete strangers offer loving smiles to new and expectant mothers. New grandparents, laden with sleepers and receiving blankets, enthusiastically share the stories of the newest love of their life with everyone in the check-out line.

People don't seem to find these interactions strange or questionable; on the contrary, I think most people feel quite the opposite. We may not know anything about each other's pasts, but we find ourselves united in the pleasure of the moment. It's hard not to be touched by the contagious joy of new life.

The season of spring brings many opportunities to marvel at the miracle of life. We Christians are not only blessed by the renewed energy and hopefulness of the physical season; we are inspired and motivated by Christ's resurrection.

Physical evidence of new life, in spite of its impressiveness, is believed because it is seen. The miracle of the resurrection, however, relies on faith. I can definitely understand why many people did not initially recognize the risen Lord, or dismissed the news of His return.

I'd like to think that, had I been there, I would have believed what I was seeing and hearing about Jesus defying death, but I must admit, shame-faced, that I probably would have been more like Thomas.

Unlike Thomas, I've heard the whole story from beginning to end. Knowing the outcome, I have developed my faith, and I believe what I have been told. It's somehow easier, though, to recognize the risen Lord in stories of almost 2000 years ago than it is to recognize Him in the people I meet today.

We all know of the "C & E" (Christmas and Easter) Catholics who seem to fill our churches to "standing room only" on these wonderful feasts. They're the ones who don't always know the responses and have to shoulder check before they stand or kneel. On occasion, I have failed to recognize the risen Lord in some of these individuals, finding myself feeling somewhat like the brother of the Prodigal Son (I have made a whole Lenten journey, and now I have to share the feast with someone who has just shown up).

Perhaps the "CNE's" did not prepare for Easter in the same ways I did, but even if I've put forth my best efforts, I am not perfect either. On the other hand, perhaps their very lives until this point have been soul-searching, Lent-like journeys, unlike any I could ever imagine. Perhaps these people are choosing to lean on the traditions of their childhood and return home.

Regardless of their circumstances, Christ rose for everyone. Others' backgrounds do not concern us, nor should our history concern them. As Jesus said, "Your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:18).

At all times I need to discover Christ. I need to remember that something (or perhaps someone) has drawn these people to worship, and that their mere presence is cause for celebration. As faithful Christians, we must welcome everyone to our places of devotion with open arms, and gently lead them by example.

How believable is our faith if we allow ourselves to feel frustrated by twice-a-year worshippers? When people share the wonder of a new baby, their joy is obvious, genuine, and infectious. The new birth of Christ's resurrection should be no different.

Christ rose not just for a privileged few who know the Truth (and the responses, and have prepared for Holy Communion); therefore we must spread the news of His victory over death by wearing our hearts on our sleeves. When we are practically bursting to share our joy with everyone, even complete strangers, we will genuinely demonstrate our beliefs.

Actively seeking Jesus in the people around us will automatically spread Easter joy. Actions speak louder than words, and a friendly smile, a firm handshake, and a patient demeanour will broadcast that "Jesus Christ is risen today."

If we truly desire to spread the Good News throughout the world, then we need to start in our own communities. We can't point fingers at those in our midst who don't attend Mass regularly. If they're there at Easter, that's a wonderful start. If that experience is a positive one, maybe they'll be back.

I'd much rather think that my personal response had inspired and encouraged someone to return to church rather than to bemoan the crowded pews and parking lot woes and avoid the place until Christmas Eve.

Instead of fretting and complaining all year long that the Church is challenged or even dying, let us rejoice in the new life within our own church walls this Easter. Let's all do our best to share the contagious joy of the resurrection with the "C&Es." Who knows? Maybe some of them will be next year's "RCIAs."