I've really been appreciating this last week the rewards of the Lenten penance, with Easter feasting and celebration. Sunday's Easter dinner--and notably my Easter lemon cake shaped like an egg (see last post)--was a hit. Each day this week I've been treating myself in the evening to a whiskey soda, watching in pieces "The Ten Commandments," an excellent film for its day, by the way. Last night was the best fish in the state of Oklahoma at White River Fish market, today planting my garden and buying a new smoker-grill, and tomorrow smoking some pork ribs after attending the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass! Such is the way we are celebrating this Easter Octave.
Which brings me to our journey last Saturday to the Society of St. Pius Xth oasis chapel St. Michael's for the Easter Vigil Mass. Arrived in OKC that afternoon around 5 pm, picked up some drive-through food, checked in at the Holiday Inn, ate in our room, and relaxed until 9:30 pm. Got ready, drove the short two minute drive to the church, and got a seat before the church filled up for the 10:30 ceremony blessing the Easter fire, candle, etc. Three hours later, the Vigil Mass was over, and I was nearly asleep, yet we joined the parish community for their annual post-Vigil get-together with cheese, crackers, fruit, and other appetizers, the Mrs. bringing her famous Filipino macaroni salad (which was enjoyed).
The next morning we slept in, and checked out at 11 am for the drive back to T-town.
Thank God for the SSPX! And all priests preserving Catholic Tradition! And for the Risen Lord and this celebratory season! Okay, gotta run up to Home Depot.
Blessed weekend to you and yours.