Gardener

Deacon Dan Lupo | 04/03/2024

Photo by Kilyan Sockalingum on Unsplash

Was it a deep shadow of grief

wrapped like a black veil over

Mary's somber eyes that shrouded

them from recognizing You

BRILLIANT

early that Easter morning?

Was it a dark, dispiriting cloud of despair

over Your dreadful death hanging

like thick black smoke wreathed

around her broken heart, that

prevented its perceiving You

RESPLENDENT

that transcendent dawn?

Was it a torrent of tears -

wet cataracts that blurred her sight

like a liquid scrim across

the panes of her sad eyes

obscuring You

RISEN

that dazzling daybreak?

Or did Your radiance blind

With transfiguring brightness

Like some divine lightning striking

her mourning eyes to misperceive

as a simple gardener You

GLORIOUS

that magnificent morn?

... Our Lenten repentance - prayer, fasting, and

Almsgiving - cease suddenly

On Easter morning when You call

By name

and we see clearly revealed

Not gardener…ah… Teacher!

Friend, Beloved – You!

LUMINOUS!

Alleluia . . . ALLELUIA!

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About the Author

Deacon Dan Lupo

website

Deacon Dan serves as a Spiritual Director, Retreat Director, and Healing Prayer minister in the Diocese of Austin; he is assigned to St. Thomas More Parish. He is Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus (Council #9997), and the Spiritual Advisor for the Mercy of God Prayer Center, and the Lay Ministers of Charity.

Dcn Dan received a certificate in Chaplaincy from Seton/Ascension and earned advanced degrees in Rhetoric (Purdue) and Theology (St. Mary's, San Antonio). He teaches and presents on various topics relating to spirituality, spiritual growth, prayer, and theological reflection.

In 2017 Dcn Dan served on the altar with Pope Francis at the Christmas Eve mass; he is still humbled by that sublime gift. Drums, guitar and caffeinated conversation are his favorite activities.