What was your Easter Sunday like? Well, for certain, it was probably different than any other Easter we have every experienced. Many of our family traditions and customs were most likely upended. Whether or not we were able to gather at church, be together with family for Easter dinner, with or without jellybeans, chocolate eggs, or Easter baskets…Easter came, and in fact is still here!
Dr. Seuss’
How the Grinch Stole Christmas with an inspired
Easter twist seemed to be a fun way during my children’s homily this past Easter Sunday to help us connect a bit more with the meaning of Easter and even bring a few smiles as well! With the goal of continuing to spread Easter joy to every child at heart, I would like to share this with you again. It is best when read aloud!
How the Grinch a.k.a. Coronavirus Stole Easter?
It was quarter of dawn. All the Whos snoring away and making a racket,
All the Whos still a-snooze, when he packed up his large Easter Basket,
Packed it up with their colored eggs, their jellybeans, their Easter clothes,
Their chocolate candies and their peeps, their scrumptious food and pretty bows!
He closed all of their schools, their stadiums, and stores,
Their Churches for Easter they would gather no more.
He sneezed and he coughed and he spread his germs
Hoping to make people sick…that slitheringist and slimiest of worms.
Ten thousand feet up, up the side of Mount Crumpet,
He rode with his load to the tiptop to dump it!
"Woah to the Whos!" he was grinchily humming.
"They're finding out now that no Easter is coming!
They're just waking up! I know just what they'll do!
Their mouths will hang open a minute or two
Then the Whos down in Whoville will all cry boo-hoo!
That's a noise," grinned the Grinch, "that I simply must hear!"
He paused, and the Grinch put a hand to his ear.
And he did hear a sound rising from just below.
It started in low, then it started to grow.
But this sound wasn't sad!
Why, this sound sounded glad!
Alleluia He’s Risen…Easter is here!
They shouted and sang for every heart to hear.
Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small,
Was singing without any Easter candy at all!
He hadn't stopped Easter from coming! It came!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!
Maybe Easter, he thought, doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Easter, perhaps, means a little bit more!
Welcome Easter. Bring your cheer,
Cheer to all Whos, far and near.
Easter Day is in our grasp
Whether or not we have hands to grasp.
(Social distancing!)
Easter Day will always be
Just as long as we have we.
Welcome Easter while we stand
Heart to heart if not hand in hand!
Adapted from Theodor Seuss Geisel’s book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! with creative license taken by Fr. Tom Byrnes