It is Easter, you know.

 Let there be light.  Light is the central symbol for Easter which became clear to me as I celebrated the Easter vigil last Saturday evening in the French church in my Bangkok. The celebration began with lighting and blessing the Easter fire outside.  The Easter candle was lit from it and then taken inside to light up a dark church.  So all could see.   Then I heard the story of creation.  On the first day, God created light.

Still we live in a world that cannot see.  That was so clear to me on my first day back at the office after Easter, seeing the pollution that darkened the sky in my Bangkok from the vantage point of my desk. No blue sky and sunshine here.  Yet what do we do about it?  Nothing?  Just put on the face masks? 




We have eyes but can we see?  It is Easter and I live in a Buddhist country where hardly anyone has any idea of such a Christian feast or western holiday.  It just means nothing to them.  That is okay but I mention it as it is so strange for me living where Christmas and Easter - both major feasts and times in the calendar - mean nothing to those living around you.  For all the others, they are just days in everyday life.  After over 12 years here, I have never got used to that. 

Do we know what we celebrate this week?  Do we appreciate the fullness of life and all its greatness?  Do we treat life as a banquet or as just a daily snack?  As I learn that a cousin has just died, it makes me realize yet again how short life is and how I need to enjoy it and relish it while I have it.  I keep saying this but do I?