As we entered the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday/Sunday) this year, there was an extra measure of prayer and intensity for most of us. An American airman had been shot down in the mountainous region of Iran during the Iranian War. The pilot of the plane had been rescued by American forces, but the second in command had not yet been found ---- and the world was holding its breath.
It was a question of who would locate the American first. Iran had placed a bounty on his head, and it seemed that every Iranian citizen in the area was out to claim the reward, hunting him down with sticks, guns, and whatever weapons they had at hand. Ameica, meanwhile, was trying to locate him with all the tools at their disposal-- encoded signals, helicopters, etc. One search plane had already been shot down by the Iranians, but that pilot had also been rescued.
Those of us who remember previous wars remembered the brutality of nations like Iran who captured American soldiers. We recalled the televised beheadings, the parading of broken and tortured men before cameras while citizens cheered. As the mother of a helicopter pilot who has been through survival training, I was especially focused on the parents of this young airman. I could almost experience their anguish and fear for his safety. I could imagine in my flesh and bones what their prayers for his safety must have been like.
Every service I attended -- Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil --- I felt as if I were praying with the whole world for this man's rescue by American forces. During the night, I would wake up praying for him and for his parents. And I knew I was not alone in my prayers.
Then, Easter Morning, I arose at 4 am, wondering if there was any news. Fortunately, my husband, who had also been praying at night, was already awake with the exultant announcement: The airman is safe; he has been found ! Immediately, I thought of the Father's cry in the Parable of the Prodigal Son: We must rejoice; the son who was lost has been found! I could imagine the joy and relief and thanksgiving of the parents as I sort of collapsed with joy myself.
Alleluia! Alleluia! He is risen from the dead! Ring the bells; announce the Good News! We have all been saved from death and sorrow! Alleluia! The timing of the loss and resurrection brought a whole new and real dimension to Easter this year!
