A day of many celebrations, but the Resurrection still trumps them all

I am somewhat ashamed to admit that this year's National Day of Prayer (which is today) caught me a little off guard. I suppose the main reason is that, due to job commitments, I have not been quite as active with community ministry organizations over the past year. Still, I recall that last year's observance came with a great deal of advance fanfare (much of it negative). This year, however, the only news of any consequence was last month's ruling by a federal appeals court overturning a decision by a dimwit judge who had declared the observance unconstitutional. Other than that, the day seems to have come (and gone) rather quietly (although the press, predictably, tried to create controversy where there was none) with local ceremonies around the nation proceeding as normal.

Of course, the national euphoria surrounding the demise of Osama bin Laden and President Obama's long overdue visit to Ground Zero may have overshadowed this year's observance. Also, coinciding with the celebration of Cinco de Mayo wasn't exactly helpful. But I would like to think the main reason for this year's National Day of Prayer coming and going so quietly was its close proximity to Easter, the highest holy day of the Christian year. Righteousness indeed exalts a nation, and a day set aside for crying out to God on behalf of the nation and its leaders will always have a certain significance, even if only symbolic. But for Christians in America, who have always been (and likely always will be) the main advocates for and participants in the National Day of Prayer, the real celebration is that of our Lord's victory over death and, still only a little over two weeks removed from Resurrection Day, most of us are still in celebration mode, or at least should be.

So, whether it's the National Day of Prayer, Cinco de Mayo, or Ground Zero, today has been a day of many celebrations. But the Resurrection still trumps them all.

Christ is risen!

He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!