More Cowbell…Every Day
Isn’t it interesting the way certain memories and ideas pop into our thoughts? I believe they are resurrected for a reason from the countless memories we store in our minds and hearts. This week, a version of a (in)famous phrase from an old Saturday Night Live skit has been running through my mind…with a twist. Instead of “More cowbell!” I have been hearing “More resurrection!”
The phrase “more cowbell” has come to signify the need for extra enthusiasm, creativity, or a missing element to make something better or more memorable. It often implies stepping out of one’s comfort zone, bringing more energy, or going that proverbial extra mile.
Apparently, I need to revisit what Jesus’ resurrection means to and for me. This week I realized that I am not only looking forward to celebrating the Resurrection of Our Lord on Easter but am feeling a strong need of resurrection in my daily life. More cowbell!
If, as Pope Saint John Paul II so beautifully noted, we are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song, are we not called to celebrate resurrection more frequently than just on Easter Sunday? Living as resurrected Easter people requires movement on our part, walking out of the dark into the light. Where do I need “more cowbell” to drive me forward and help resurrect something special in my life? What resurrected memory, emotion, action am I most grateful for today? Which virtues could do with a resurrection in my life? Faith? Hope? Love? Patience?
The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christianity, affirming his identity as the Son of God, validating his sacrifice for sin, and proving his victory over death. It provides us Christians with hope for our own future resurrection and eternal life. Resurrection is the crucial cornerstone of faith
I seem to have adopted Henri Nouwen as my go-to spiritual writer in this season of my life. The following sentences of his really spoke to me this week. “The resurrection is the expression of God’s faithfulness to his children. It is God’s way of revealing to us that nothing that belongs to God will ever go to waste. The resurrection reveals to us that love is stronger than death.”
Some people find motivation in adopting a personal theme song. How about writing your own Resurrection Prayer to jump start your enthusiasm for new life? Perhaps a short Bible verse will sum it up? Write it down. Personalize it to reflect your needs, hopes, and dreams at this point in your life. Memorize it. Bring it to Mass with you this weekend. Pray it daily. Work hard to pull new Easter life out of every situation.
May we find the grace, joy, and courage to face what Christ most desires to resurrect in each of us this Easter season…and every day of our beautiful lives in Him.
Easter Blessings!