Failing strength can change plans, even at Easter. Looking back on this Easter Sunday, I can see how my physical weakness wasn't a barrier—it was an invitation for a re-routing of grace that brought the miracle even closer to where I sat.
The Struggle to Rise on Easter Morning
Though I wasn’t at my best during the Holy Week Triduum, I’m grateful I made it to Maundy Thursday Mass and Good Friday service with my husband and our older son.
I thought that resting throughout Black Saturday would bring recovery. So I did — but instead, it seemed to set me back even more. Still, feeling hopeful, I suggested we wake early to catch the 8:45 AM Mass.
Easter Sunday Hurdles
Despite our plans, getting up for the 8:45 AM Mass was still a struggle. We had to adjust our plans.
So, over breakfast, my husband suggested the 5:30 PM Mass to give me extra recovery time. I appreciated the thought.
I appreciated the thought — though part of me still hoped we could make the 8:45. So, we all agreed. We could at least. A morning celebration felt more fitting—to honor traditional Easter morning tradition.
We moved like soldiers on a mission. We can't afford to arrive late, and the mission? Not to be late. To arrive late for the Mass is a big ‘No-No’ for us.
We don't feel comfortable arriving late for the Mass.
God’s Grace in the Details
Well, just like we figured, the church was packed to the brim. Thankful that we found parking not far from the back entrance to the church.
At Easter and Christmas Masses, people flock to church—this is true everywhere. That in mind, if we'd want to find seating, we had to split up — and that’s exactly what we did.
Since I was coughing up a storm, I slipped onto the last pew, closest to the door, so I could step outside or head to the restroom if needed — anything to avoid distracting everyone when coughing is difficult to control.
Meanwhile, my sweet husband chose to stand right behind me against the back wall, keeping a close eye on me the whole time.
And so there I was, all settled after spending some moments in prayer acknowledging Jesus' invitation and warm welcome, and for helping us respond to His invitation.
Surprisingly, my coughing eased up a bit, though I still needed to pop open a Halls candy to keep my throat from drying out.
Right around the consecration during the Mass, where we all kneel, I began to feel restless. I was restless because I feared I was going to faint at any moment. I have fainting episodes.
I prayed to God to sustain me, to give me the strength and to guide my steps that I don't fall when I go to receive Him—His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—during Holy Communion.
I turned to my husband to motion to him that I wanted to tell him something. He walked over and leaned in, and there I told him how close I was to fainting from having knelt so long—just so he’d be aware.
A Shorter Walk, A Deeper Encounter
Anyone ready to receive the consecrated Host stand as they wait for their turn to line up for the communion.
Knowing myself and my limits when feeling unwell, I chose to remain seated to conserve my energy.
Jesus Meets Us Where We Are
To my surprise, just before the congregation got up to line up for Communion, our pastor announced that there would be Eucharistic ministers at the back of the church to distribute the consecrated hosts.
Whoa, did my heart leap, or what! You should’ve seen how my eyes lit up like a lantern at dusk!
These are the moments that truly catch my attention in ways allowing me to experience God's tender loving care.
The feeling doesn't get old. And then, our pew’s turn came....
My, how wonderful was that I could take a shorter walk to take part in the Holy Communion than going all the way to the altar!
He met me in the back, where I was, because grace can take the shorter path.
That's when God re-routed the walk to the altar—communion came to me. And that's because God can arrange the route, and we just had to walk it. That's all we had to do, so that even with unsteady knees, we can still walk with His grace.
When Strength Fails, Grace Doesn’t
"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
So, by God's grace, I made it to Easter Sunday Mass. Two weeks have passed, and I’m now beginning to feel much better as I type this. The fear of fainting had since vanished.
God cares about us, and He truly hears our prayers and everything that bothers us. That's our God.🙏
Thank you for reading! If the stories here speak to your heart, I’d love to connect with you on Facebook.
Many Blessings, Emilie
A Note from my Heart
I’m Emilie, a seeker of faith who finds God in the quiet pews and the divine surprises of everyday life. I write these reflections to invite you into a slower, more soulful way of seeing the world.
