The tomb is empty but my heart is full

Nine thirty Easter morning I am sitting in the second pew at Mass in a church which is about fifteen minutes from my house. I started going to this church because the other church was about a half hour from my house and was non traditional in both in structure and style. This church, a more direct alignment with my own spirituality, is traditional in style and as are the people. Ironically, the pastor was the priest who gave me my first Communion over thirty six years ago. We are here to celebrate the tomb being empty, and looking around I see that the people around me have hearts that are full.

His message today was interesting. He spoke about the sacraments and how each sacrament gives us another layer of our personal spirituality. I have all the sacraments one could ask for. All except for one... (ok possibly two pending on the perspective) the sacrament of Holy Orders OR marriage. I have entertained both of those sacraments, and have moved in the direction of both at one point in my life. Both of them seemed "the right thing to do" and both do indeed seem enticing, but both also are frightening. As Fr. Bob spoke, he talked about how the person who delivers the sacraments to the recipient have a profound influence on the life of the recipient. It is the provider and the recipient who must have a connection. Wow! I thought to myself. WOW! Here I am sitting in a church with the priest who gave me my first Communion and he is gently reminding me of that day so many years ago.

My mind drifted for a moment. It drifted to my home parish where I was dressed in a white long robe, along with my classmates, as we entered from the back of the church to the front meeting Fr. Bob for the first time. I was so lucky for I had the first pew. (I knew then how lucky I was). I remember the tears - partly of nervousness and excitement. I also remember how Father Bob always looked for me at Mass and encouraged me to become an altar server. There was a personal connection with this gentle man.

I then remembered another priest who confirmed me. Although it was not at my "home" parish, it was at another church for sentimental reasons. I remember sitting in that front pew on a dark Saturday night lit only by candles as the priest, Fr. Rich, put oil on my head and proclaimed, "I confirm you, Michael Anthony RALPH." Today, so many years later, I see Fr. Richard at different events and we pick up where we left off with our friendship.

These two priests not only given me a connection to church but also a person connection. I can hear Fr. Bob babbling about something, but my mind drifted again.

This time, to the front pew with another Pastor-- Fr. George. I sat in that same pew the day I left for seminary again now with another set of tears-- some of concern, others of nervousness and others of excitement. Fr. George also became my spiritual advisor and a very dear friend. Sadly, a year ago I sat in that same pew at my grandmother's funeral, and ironically two of the the priests with whom I had a sacramental connection and personal connection were celebrating the funeral.

After Mass, I approached Fr. Bob who is still as gentle and as meek as he was so many years ago and explained to him that there was an irony to his homily today. I reintroduced myself to him and explained that how his homily brought me back to his church so many years ago. He smiled, and remembered who I was and asked me why I was at this church now, etc. I actually informed him of the two other priests who provided me with my other sacraments -- Fr. Richard and Fr. George. His response, "You are very holy with your connection with those two men." We offered each other an Easter greeting and went our separate ways. Driving home I reflected on his words, "You are very holy with those two men." No, not exactly. I do not consider myself Holy. I do consider myself blessed. I am Blessed for not only all of my other connections in my life but also for Fr. Bob, Fr. Richard and of course, my mentor and dear friend, Fr. George for giving me the different layers to my own spirituality.

It is nine thirty on Easter morning and I sitting in the second pew where I am reminded of the blessings of my spiritual life and personal life. I have traveled many roads and have met many people all of whom become another layer of spirituality in my life, especially Fr. Bob, Fr. Richard and Fr. George. It is Easter morning and yes the tomb is empty, but my heart is full. Alleluia!