An Easter Like No Other

Despite a mild winter with only one major snowstorm, I was really looking forward to spring.  There's something about more sunlight, warmer weather and trees blossoming after months of enduring cold dark days.  In February, I found a sharp-looking light gray sport coat at one of my favorite thrift stores and thought it would be nice to wear for Easter Mass.  Little did any of us know our plans for spring would drastically change.

When the first shelter-at-home orders were issued in response to the Covid-19 virus, some were hopeful things would be back to normal by April.  In fact, a few restaurants even took out large ads in the local newspaper to let their customers know they'd still be having Easter dinner.  As the weeks passed, this seemed more and more unlikely since social distancing guidelines were expanded.  With the handwriting on the wall, restaurants were now offering Easter dinner take out only.

It was also looking more and more unlikely that there would be Mass for Easter, too.  While some churches said they would be open just for confessions and prayer, my parish shut down altogether and not even an online bulletin was published.  I thought not attending weekly Mass for such a long time would feel strange but it only brought indifference.  While I didn't want to be like those “heathen” twice-a-year Catholics, I really didn't miss boring sermons, elderly parishioners, waking up early or feelings of loneliness in the pews.  It wasn't that I relished skipping Mass.  Rather, my many pastors over the years had failed to create an inviting atmosphere for Catholic singles like me.  Some worshipers would seek out online virtual Masses or watch Catholic TV but those options didn't appeal to me either.

For Easter, Masses with the Pope and Cardinal O'Malley were broadcast on local television stations but I slept in after a busy night at work.  My mother didn't feel like cooking so she ordered a couple of take out dinners from a nearby restaurant.  When I picked them up, the place was mostly empty and dark but I thanked the staff for staying open when so many other businesses had closed.  The trip to and from the restaurant was almost devoid of traffic which only added to my isolation.  Once I got home, we ate our Easter dinner at the kitchen table instead of in the dining room.  There was no company, no fancy silverware or plates and we didn't get dressed up.  Despite all of this, we were thankful for our blessings.  

It's sometimes said that mankind makes plans while God laughs.  I don't like this expression because it implies the Almighty takes some sort of pleasure in the suffering of others.  I do think it's important to appreciate the fact that life can sometimes turn on a dime and no matter how sure we are of the plans we have made, they don't necessarily come to pass.  One of the things I appreciate about the Muslim religion is how often the expression, “God willing” is used because this acknowledges a certain kind of humility.  What we want for one reason or another might not happen.

In January, it was announced the prestigious Top of the Hub restaurant located on the 52nd floor of Boston's Prudential Center would close after more than 54 years.  Their last day was scheduled for April 18th but due to the Covid-19 shutdowns, it's likely the place may never reopen.  All those people who thought there was still plenty of time to visit the restaurant for one last goodbye were sadly mistaken.

Many plans were made at the start of 2020.  When I bought that light gray sport coat, I imagined myself all dressed up at Easter Mass.  Restaurants probably thought they would make lots of money serving Easter dinner to their many customers.  How wrong we were.