Holy Week has long been my favorite time of year and is an especially active time of worship at my beloved St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. This year, however, while Holy Week has lost none of its religious significance, I’ve greatly missed the fellowship that it usually entails as we all adhere to the social distancing guidelines and recent “Home or Work” order issued by the Governor. Although the order does not prohibit South Carolinians from attending religious services, many churches, like St. Martin’s, have moved their services online for the safety of the congregation. I agree that this adaptation is in the best interest of the population, but it certainly has made the observance of Holy Week in 2020 even more sobering than usual. Likewise, I suspect that Sunday will be the most unusual Easter celebration modern Christianity has ever seen.

Nevertheless, Sunday is still Easter, and for those who follow the way of the cross, the meaning of this day remains the same. For me, this year’s Holy Week and Easter celebration will perhaps be even more significant and life-changing than they’ve been in years past. Though I don’t try to force my religious views on others, I’ve always been very open about them, and the self-isolating and social distancing, in one respect, has provided me an opportunity to spend more time reflecting on my faith. Theoretically, we as Christians are supposed to live our lives following in the steps of Jesus Christ, and while I can’t speak for others, I, for one, fail miserably at this every single day. Still, I strive each day to be a better man than the day before, and I do believe that, through God’s grace, others can see glimpses of His light in me. And on Sunday, I will rejoice in the resurrection of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and know that even though I’m far from perfect, he has gifted me salvation and eternal life. How blessed I am live to celebrate another Easter Sunday!

Have a great Easter holiday, and remember that, even if you must celebrate this year in isolation, you will not be alone, for He will be with you!