An Especially Memorable Spring

Christians around the world came together on Sunday, April 20th, to celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the rebirth of hope within the world. This year, Orthodox Christians shared that same date with their other Christian brothers and sisters. The Orthodox Christian Churches utilize the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar utilized by the Western Churches; this year, they coincided with each other.

Here on Marco Island, thousands of residents and visitors alike made their way to the beach to enjoy a wonderful sunrise service that is coordinated by a number of volunteers and local churches. Whether they chose to walk, take a car, or come by boat, those worshipers were sure to enjoy a wonderful service and an outstanding presentation on this special day. 

Easter historically marks the beginning of the spring season, when vegetation begins to green, the aroma of flowering plants and trees begin to fill the air, and baseball gets ready to consume the American pastime. 

Spring marks the rebirth of our planet, but it should also mark the rebirth of our souls. All of us should take the time to celebrate the rebirth of our own faith in 2025, in addition to the convergence of two other major events; we mourned the passing of Pope Francis the day after Easter on April  21, and then celebrated Cardinal Robert Prevost’s election to the position. Prevost, the 267th head of the Catholic Church, assumed that role as Pope Leo XIV during the Conclave held at the Vatican. 

These are especially trying times throughout the world, and we certainly need to work better together in the efforts to bridge the gaps of understanding, both nationally and internationally, as well as right here in our own community.

Islanders throughout the year have certainly shown their humanity for those in need and have led by example in many ways. The recent Spirit of Marco Awards sponsored by the Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island is an example of that. It recognized several individuals within our community for their outstanding service to our citizens and highlighted just such a wonderful commitment to those goals, as well as to the community as a whole. 

Couple that with the wonderful efforts of organizations such as the Kiwanis, Rotary, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Knights of Columbus, and so many other outstanding groups who help those in their times of need, and reflect the foundations of Christian values that Christ preached and should guide us to a better world.

The shame of all this is that we should concentrate on these good thoughts and deeds throughout the year and not just on one or two days a year, but throughout the 365 days of the year. I’m not so naïve, however, to believe that everyone around us might share a similar mindset, so we as a nation and a people must stay strong to protect our values and our beliefs.

As I sit here, I recall past conversations I had with the former Speaker of the House, John Boehner, as he spoke about his special time spent with Pope Francis when he accepted Speaker Boehner’s invitation to address a Joint Session of Congress in 2015. 

It was even more refreshing to hear him speak in an unapologetic manner for being touched emotionally and shedding tears in the presence of the Pontiff. Nothing speaks more to a man’s character than his ability to accept the fact that he can be himself and not apologize for letting those emotions shine through when he speaks of those things that touch his soul in such a special way.

All of us need to reflect a little more about ourselves and those we hold close, and remember that Easter isn’t about bunnies, hams, or candy, but instead carries with it the hope for redemption and the appreciation of sacrifice which was made for us all.