Typical Americans, we try to cram every possible self indulgence into one day’s time frame. We do this at Christmas, St. Paddy’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc. Egging us on for these days of celebration are the greeting card, chocolate and beer companies.
The Church has a much better idea as to how to celebrate important events . . . Take your time. Savor it. So Lent lasts for 40 days, and in that time we fast and sacrifice. Okay. So now Easter is 10 days longer, and we are encouraged to do wonderful things to remind us of the goodness of life as it comes in light of the Resurrection. Joyful things done in His honor; actions done to show our appreciation of life as God has given it to us.
In that spirit may I suggest a few Easter Events you might consider for you and/or your family? (Remember, I am very corny so these may not be your cup of tea. My purpose is to get you to take seriously your own celebration of the Easter Season.)
This Easter Season why not say “thank you” to God by doing some fun, joyful activities like:
See that good movie you’ve been wanting to catch.
- Take a long walk in the springtime.
- Visit some special place on a day trip.
- Listen to a piece of beautiful music (listen like you were in church).
- Food. Make a special meal for you and loved ones.
- Visit some person you know can’t get out to see people. Think up some excuse to tell them why you’re coming by – – – in the area, need some advice, etc.
- Find a way to tell your co-workers what a wonderful Easter you had and how blessed you feel by God to be alive.
- Visit the graves of the one’s you’ve loved and lost. Ask them to pray for you. You pray for them.
- Buy a goldfish. God made that.
- Really sing out at Mass.
- Read a book where good triumphs over evil.
- Do something with and for a child. Something fun, something silly.
- Dedicate a day to speaking only positive words about others.
- Spend 5 minutes looking out a window at a tree or a bush or people . . . thank God for making you with eyes that can see.
- Dedicate a day to listening, really listening to people. Hear their joy, sadness, hope, frustration, excitement, disappointment. Take them into your heart.
- Start your day with God. Throw the covers off in the morning, but before your feet touch the floor tell God, “Lord, I give this day to you. All that I say and all that I do, let it be for you.” Then put your foot on the floor to start the day.
Finally, we do all these things in joy and thanksgiving . . . because we are going to live with God forever in the Mystical Body of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Easter Joy, Fr. Tim
