One of the things that I know for certain, as we celebrate our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection every year, is that we are going to host the annual Easter Party for the clients and volunteers of Deer Lake’s Vera Perlin Association for Community Living. As I have written about this group and this event in the past, I cannot help but feel pride and happiness when we do things for this group of loving people in our community. Such people, although deemed by some to be disabled, certainly are not disabled in the eyes of God. In fact, they are a gift from God: each and every single client of this association is a gift from God. They are given to us from God to show us love in the finest of forms that can be shown in the world in which we live.
Personally speaking, when I am with them, the cares of the world, parish ministry, and my life in general go out the window. In blessings, we often use these words: “May you see the face of the Lord Jesus in everyone you meet.” I can say with certainty—whether looking at individuals or the group as a whole—one cannot help but notice the face of Christ. Not only can one notice the face of Christ, but the love of God as well.
This is one event where I must confess to the deadly sin of pride. I am proud of the willingness of the people of the parish to come together and provide a meal, dessert, Easter treats, decorations, and even an appearance by the Easter Bunny to deliver the treats. Everyone beams with happiness to be part of this event. It is in moments like these that the Church opens wide not only its doors but also its arms, to receive the embrace of love from people who not only show love, but show us how to love, and how to see the image of God in each other. I look forward to being part of this event again next year.
