Thomas Duddy is baptized, surrounded by his parents. (Courtesy photo)
THE MARRIED LIFE
The parish priest was looking for someone to baptize on Easter Sunday. The catechumens were to be baptized at the Easter Vigil, but he thought that baptism was such a significant way to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, he asked if our infant son could be baptized Easter morning. We were thrilled.
Easter morning was so beautiful. The sun was shining. The church was decorated with lilies, and the priest marched into the church in golden vestments. A big bowl of holy water that had been blessed the night before for the newly baptized was on a table in the sanctuary. Our hearts were filled with joy that day as we witnessed our son being baptized.
Now, 38 years later, my son and his growing family live in a poor area of Louisiana as part of a missionary effort there. We are so proud of them and the loving influence and service they give to the neighborhood.
But it wasn’t always that way. During the teen and young adult years, our son went through some very difficult times. Our beloved son was “lost.” It was hard to have hope.
During those years I leaned heavily on my husband, Tom. Sometimes Tom would say to me, “Where is your faith? God is always at work.”
Many couples who have gone through similar trials say one day the wife is strong, the next day the husband is strong. They learn to lean on each other.
Some couples blame each other when one of their children has struggles. Others blame themselves. But the reality is, everyone has free will, and sometimes our youth make poor choices. We need to encourage and support each other during these difficult times. Ultimately, it is Jesus who saves them and us.
Our current society is rife with strife, and the pandemic does not help. The question is: where do we find hope?
Eastertime answers this for me.
“I am the Resurrection and the Life,” (Jn 11: 25) Jesus said. He is our hope, and “hope does not disappoint us …” (Rom. 5: 5)
Gently, subtly, Our Lord brought our son back to himself. There were signs that he was searching for the truth. Then one summer he went on a mission trip to Louisiana with other teens and adults, and recommitted his life to Christ while there. His life changed that day.
Now when I think of what Easter means to me, I think of how Jesus saved my son, and how he saves us all. We have to help each other hang onto hope in Christ, despite all that fights against it. We can always have faith because God is always at work.
As April 4 approached this year, my grandson ran into our house one day saying, “Grandma, grandma, my birthday is on Easter this year!” So it is. What a wonderful gift.
