Changing. Healing. Rising.

There are many ironies about Easter 2020 amidst the viral pandemic.

Crucifixion kills by asphyxiation. COVID-19 cripples the lungs and some victims die on ventilators.

We are sheltered in place, isolated in tiny groups to protect ourselves from a deadly affliction. On the first Easter, Jesus' disciples and his Mother were huddled in an upper room in Jerusalem, hiding from those who had demanded the death of their fellow Galilean.

Roman soldiers mocked Jesus with a crown of thorns. The coronavirus is named for its crown-like characteristics.

According to Christian Scripture, Jesus appeared to many of those he loved, after his resurrection. He made sure they knew he was alive and well. Some didn't recognize him at first. Mary Magdalene thought he was a gardener at the tomb he'd just escaped. That same Easter day, when he joined two apostles on the road to Emmaus, his friends thought he was a stranger. Only when he broke bread at dinner and gave it to them did they recognized him as the one who had hosted the Last Supper. And on Easter Sunday night, Jesus miraculously appeared in that upper room where his followers were hiding. But he had to assure the first Christians he was not a ghost -- even eating fish to prove he was genuinely risen and alive. Jesus breathed on them, lungs restored, saying, "Receive the holy Spirit." (John 20:22)

Those who knew him best did not immediately comprehend this resurrected body. His glorified state. It was a profound transformation of flesh and spirit like the wormy caterpillar that becomes a spectacular butterfly. What once slowly crawled now flies unrestrained.

The physical and spiritual process of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that is Lent is designed to help us repent in time for the resurrection. Repent means to exercise the mind or rethink. This Easter, will our friends recognize us or will we have changed so much that we are in some way, unfamiliar?

As we stay home in our "upper rooms," will we reach out with our phones to touch the forgotten and welcome them into our lives? Will we leave the snarky comments and our judgement in the past like empty cocoons?

Will we find the courage to see the beautiful in the rainy day and not complain one bit? And remember the sun is shining above the clouds? Will we listen to friends and family patiently, joyfully when we're tempted to speak about ourselves?

And whenever the virus abates, will we remember to be grateful for each day we have and each person we encounter? Will we remain filled with the humility we feel as we watch others risk their lives helping the sick? Perhaps, we'll soon forget this pestilence and take our lives for granted. Will we again cling to material things and position and ignore the dignity of those in need or struggling?

The first Easter changed the world in remarkable ways. In time, a handful of believers became billons. Like a few loaves and fishes multiplied to feed a multitude. But even at that momentous event, Jesus had first told his disciples, "Give them food yourselves." (Mark 6:37)

His teachings, sacrifice and death gave birth to a new way of life, born from a womb that was the upper room of Easter hiding. Jesus healed and transformed his followers by the unconditional love and compassion we were all created to give. "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31)

This Easter 2020, we will be in our hiding places awaiting a miracle, a cure. But Jesus has already shown us the way to heal ourselves and the world. Happy Resurrection Sunday!