With Easter upon us and the conclusion of the holy month of Lent, I could not just sit back and not share my thoughts on the matter with my precious readers. We have all read articles and watched interviews and documentaries on how this pandemic has woken us up and abruptly threw us into realizing the little things we take for granted in our daily lives.

More so, I truly believe that the outbreak of the virus could not have taken place at a more precious and critical time, whereby the purpose of Lent is to prepare the believer for Easter through prayer, performing penance, mortifying the flesh, repentance of sins, almsgiving, and self-denial. I am certain that believers worldwide have never prepared for Lent as they have this year, whereby we all discovered the true meaning and value what we have taken to granted since our birth.

Ever since I can remember, the Holy month of Lent reflects itself in several milestones, be it the food we give up and deprive ourselves by, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, the smell of buttery maamoul, egg hunts, children’s photos with the Easter bunny, and Easter lunch with the family.

This year, Lent not only meant giving up certain foods, the indulgence of specific possessions, or more prayer time. It meant a daily reflection of our purpose on earth, the appreciation for the simple things we miss in our daily life such as a heartfelt hug from our parents, a kiss on the cheek from our neighbor over a cup of morning coffee, a simple chat with the neighborhood grocer about the weather without the scare of wearing a mask and gloves.

This year, Lent made me understand what true sacrifice is, because now I long to sit with my mother while holding her tight, I long for cooking and sharing a meal with my siblings and their children, and long to walk past others on a busy street while window shopping.

For Easter celebration this year, do not only think and pray for those who are not as privileged as you… reach out and help them somehow. It does not have to be monetary or material help. It could simply be a phone call or a video chat to let them know they are not alone. Let Easter really be memorable this year, not because of the global virus, but because it is a reminder that life and death do not distinguish between poor and rich. We are all vulnerable to it, it is just a matter of how we choose to handle it and learn from it.

Wishing everyone a glorious Easter despite the terrifying events we are going through. With prayer and self-reflection, I pray that we will overcome it soon.