One of my earliest Easter experiences occurred while I was attending a worship service in an inner city parish. The worship was attended by a small but faithful band of neighbors. The ligurgy was in English and Spanish. Duirng the prayers of intercession a child requested that we pray for his mom. A man who had been out of work for serveral months asked us to rejoice with him because he was hired to work at a car wash. The prayers became cathartic as we suddenly realized we tell all to a God who understands and listens because he too knows the suffering of giving his son.

Along with the offering plate a tray containing a piece of bread and a glass of juice was passed around. The bread was broken and a portion handed to a worshipper who broke off a piece and handed the rest to their neighbor. People from a variety of religious backgounds shared a meal in a meaningful way.

The liturgical drama gripped me and the other worshippers. Following worship we lingered, talked, and went downstairs to a dining hall where we shared in conversation, coffee and doughnuts.

What I experienced that day was Easter. I flet God's living presence as we worshiped together. I was filled with hope and joy. I knew then and know now that God is in our midst and we belong go God.