The Walk - Where I Discovered the Joy of Easter

It’s spring. As I walked past the frontyards of my neighborhood, full of blooming tulips and roses, I couldn’t help but think: this is what Easter feels like. New life. New hope. The promise that no matter how dark the world seems, the light has already won.This episode of the podcast turned out to be more personal than I expected. I reflect on a recent fantasy festival—its last edition at a fairytale castle. That event wasn’t just fun; it reminded me who I am and how far I’ve come.I used to shy away from crowds, from conversations, from anything social unless I could hide behind a role. But something changed at that festival. Surrounded by cosplayers, artists, writers, and dreamers, I felt like I didn’t have to wear a mask. I could just be… me. And I was still accepted. More than that—I felt at home.That feeling sparked something deep in me: a realization that real connection, real listening, real friendship—these are holy. This is where God lives.Here’s what I talk about in the episode:Why I skipped the Camino to make space for rest and reflectionHow fantasy festivals became part of my priesthoodDiscovering ministry not just in churches, but in conversations with geeksThe joy of telling other people’s stories—and the life it gives backWhy Easter is ultimately about relationships, not just ritualsI share moments that moved me deeply—like a wheelchair-bound writer full of hope, or a volunteer with autism who found freedom in cosplay. These aren’t just heartwarming side stories. They are Easter in action.If you’ve ever struggled with being yourself, with feeling “enough,” or wondered how to make the world a little brighter—this one’s for you. Get full access to Father Roderick at fatherroderick.substack.com/subscribe