What We Read This Week

Each week, we bring you interesting stories from around the web. Here’s what caught our eye this week!

FAITH

Jon Foreman: The Kingdom of Heaven Is at Hand, Even in Quarantine

Easter is a day that holds tremendous significance for followers of Christ. This Easter Sunday, as we watch the COVID-19 pandemic bring death and fear all over the world, a celebration of resurrection feels exceptionally poignant. So wherever you are, whatever you believe in — please stay with me. We could all use a bit of perspective and hope these days. Read Full Article

From Relevant Magazine

CULTURE

We Need to Stop Trying to Replicate the Life We Had

The best part of any social gathering is the haphazard array of smaller, more intimate gatherings into which it inevitably breaks down. Just ask Shakespeare, or F. Scott Fitzgerald, or Edith Wharton. Romeo and Juliet meet during a stolen moment in the middle of a masquerade ball. Nick Carraway inadvertently befriends Jay Gatsby at a party when he’s off to the side, gossiping about Gatsby. The love affair between Newland Archer and Countess Ellen Olenska begins when the pair share a private giggle during a dinner, just out of earshot of the other guests. Read Full Article

From The Atlantic

FAITH

GRIEF ON THE JOURNEY THROUGH HOLY WEEK

Today, we remember the Last Supper, the first communion, and the washing of the disciples’ feet. The occasion for which Jesus and his disciples gathered was a Passover Seder. And last night, Jews everywhere observed their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the most terrible of the 10 plagues visited on Pharaoh: the slaughter of the firstborn, which moved like a wave through the Egyptian people. In this time of social distancing, it’s hard not to feel eerie parallels as we shelter in our homes while an invisible killer sweeps through our communities, sickening and killing many. Though now we have no guaranteed protection, no lamb’s blood over our doors — despite what some Christians who have continued to worship in groups have said. There is greater randomness to the way the coronavirus attacks. Read Full Article

From Sojo

FAITH

Embracing Holy Week at Home

It’s no secret that Holy Week looks different this year. With Masses cancelled in parishes across the United States, the most important time of the year for Catholics will be celebrated through screens instead of inside our beloved churches. But even though we’re unable to gather, reflect, and celebrate together, we’re still called to embrace the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. While nothing can replace the feeling of worshipping together with your parish community, you can still make the most of this special and sacred time at home with your family. Read Full Article

From Busted Halo

OPINION

As parents of a kid with ADHD, we feel forgotten

Considering the wide-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, my family is lucky. I already worked from home as a freelance journalist, so I’m used to juggling home life and work. My pastor husband is able to film online sermons and meet with staff via videoconferencing. Our three young children, ages three, six and eight, are all home with us, which has amplified the challenges we face as we try to balance many different schedules as a family. We all feel relatively safe and we’re healthy. Read Full Article

From Broadview