A Flourishing Faith: Reflections on Easter Five Years After COVID

Five years ago, Christians across the nation faced an Easter unlike any before. The specter of isolation, loneliness, and anxiety loomed large, yet from that darkness, a remarkable revival of faith has emerged. This Easter, as we gather in our places of worship, we reflect on how our collective experience of the pandemic has only intensified our connection to faith.

Before the pandemic struck, it would have been hard for many Americans to envision a day devoid of the traditional observances of Easter. This nation, founded by individuals seeking the freedom to worship, suddenly found its doors locked at the order of health authorities. The eerie silence of that Easter Sunday in 2020 filled our hearts with both sorrow and hope.

As we navigated Lent that year, the haunting sound of church bells in Brooklyn cut through the stillness of a deserted city. It was a bittersweet melody, a reminder of the joy of worship amid the constraints that isolated us from one another.

In a column for the New York Post, I expressed my feelings during that challenging time, writing about the hope that would eventually bring us back together. We had sacrificed our gatherings, but the promise of renewal echoed like a distant bell.

This Easter, we do not simply celebrate the resurrection; we rejoice in the resurgence of our faith communities. The pandemic’s toll is a distant memory as churches are now filled to capacity with congregants eager to reconnect. What some refer to as an American religious revival is evident as we witness the faithful return in numbers.

Recent articles highlight a notable increase in church attendance across various denominations. The National Catholic Register reports a surge of 30 to 70 percent in Catholic parishes nationwide. Conversations with practicing Christians reveal a shared sentiment of growth and revitalization within the broader faith community.

It comes as little surprise that the trials of COVID could lead to a rekindled dedication to spiritual observance. Throughout history, religious texts have guided us through moments of anguish and suffering, reminding us that light often follows dark times.

From ancient stories of departure from Eden and trials of the Exodus to the struggles faced by Christ during His 40 days in the desert, we find a consistent narrative: suffering can draw us nearer to our Creator. The pandemic represented a period of isolation, particularly for younger generations, who increasingly found solace in technology rather than in communal worship.

Yet, church offers a sense of physical presence and communal support that virtual spaces cannot replicate. In places of worship, we experience authenticity, beauty, and the celebration of life, contrasting sharply with the often harsh reality of our online interactions.

Humans crave purpose beyond the roles assigned in our technologically driven society. We seek meaningful connections with our Creator and with one another. As spring emerges and our hearts lighten, it is essential to remember the lessons learned from our dark COVID Easter.

This year, celebrations will include family gatherings, handshakes, and hugs without masks. We have rediscovered the joy that comes with faith and fellowship, reinforcing the realization that we must cherish the practice of our beliefs.

Reflecting on a vivid memory, I recall picking up my son after a late CCD class at church. Despite my exhaustion, watching him and his friends leave together, animatedly discussing God, I felt a wave of gratitude. It was not merely an obligation; it was a profound blessing to be part of such moments.

The question arises whether America stands on the cusp of a new religious revival inspired by the challenges of COVID. While it may be early to ascertain the future, early indicators suggest a positive trend. Ultimately, it will be the collective effort of individuals to nurture this resurgence.

Let us move forward with a renewed sense of purpose, holding tightly to our faith and the connections that sustain us as we emerge from the shadows of the pandemic. Together, we will ensure that hope continues to thrive in our communities, instilling a brighter future for generations to come.