Today was the first time in two years I could attend a Good Friday service. Traditionally these are somewhat punishing – longer than a normal Mass and with a lot more kneeling. My kids refer to it as an endurance contest.
This year was different. Yes, there were certain COVID-required expedients that shortened the duration, but I think in terms of hardship the mask-wearing more than compensated.
No, what I'm referring to is the joy at being able to participate at all. As the songs say: "You don't know what you got till it's gone," and that's certainly true in this case.
Our clergy seemed to feel the same way, and thanks to COVID spacing, we had a spillover crowd – not bad for noon on a Friday. It was the most upbeat Good Friday I've ever had.
In many ways, the Lenten season of 2020 never ended, yet the promise of Christ's Resurrection remains. No power on earth can change that. I see this more clearly now and it is contributing greatly to this feeling of calm I've had over the last couple of months.
Easter is coming. I can't wait.
Chateau Lloyd 
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