Monday in the Octave of Easter

Frope - feeling equal measure of fear and hope

This isn’t a real word, but I would like to propose that we consider adding it to our lexicon. How else can we articulate the feelings that accompany those unique moments in our lives when we finally achieve a long anticipated goal and then realize just what we have accomplished?  It’s that realization moment after the hard work that causes frope.
Think about it. You just landed  THE job, the one you spent months researching and weeks perfecting your resume and interview skills. You show up on day one and sit at your brand new desk and become overwhelmed with feelings of fear (can you really do this job) and hope (the belief that you will make a difference) -- frope.

You hold your new baby in your arms for the first time. After months of planning you look into the child’s eyes and wonder if all of the classes and books really prepared you for the awesome responsibility while simultaneously having an overwhelming sense that all things are now possible in this world -- frope.

In today’s Gospel the realization of what Jesus has done for us is just now sinking in to Mary Magdalene, Mary and his other disciples. The women leave his tomb “fearful yet overjoyed.” These people watched Jesus on his long journey toward the cross and witnessed the difficulties of his path. The day after his death the enormity of his sacrifice is becoming clear to them. They are fearful for what lies ahead, but hopeful because he has risen.

Even though hope and fear may be in our hearts, I think today’s readings are asking us to focus on the hope of the Resurrection. In the first reading we are reminded that God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s promise are stronger than the throes of death. The responsorial psalm asks us to keep our hope in God for he does not abandon us and will keep us safe.  Today, the day after Easter, we are being called to see God in the world.

How do we do this? I think, like with any significant life event, we take time to remember how we got here. We contemplate the sacrifice and look for the light of God’s presence in the big and small moments of our day. We tell ourselves that is it ok to feel “fropeful,” but we trust and pray in God’s divine presence in our lives to help us be the light this sacrifice deserves.