HOW TO COMMEMORATE THE FIFTY DAYS OF EASTER.

Recently, someone reached out to me for some friendly advice on celebrating the fifty days of Easter. At first, I shared a quick response based on my first thoughts, but it soon became clear to me that a more detailed post would be really helpful. Throughout my time in ministry, I've noticed that many of us encounter challenges when it comes to fully embracing the wonderful Easter season, and sadly, there aren't many resources out there to help us along the way.

Easter is more than just a single event; it's a wonderful celebration that stretches over fifty joyful days, concluding with Pentecost. I'm excited to share seven meaningful ways to enhance your Easter experience and embrace the spirit of joy and renewal that this special season has to offer. These suggestions are here to help you explore the significance of the resurrection and deepen your connection with your faith community and personal spirituality.

1. SCRIPTURE :

The New Testament frequently recounts a profound and transformative experience where the Risen Lord takes the time to "open the Scriptures" for His followers. This moment is particularly illustrated in significant events such as the encounter on the road to Emmaus, where Jesus explains the prophecies and writings that refer to Him, helping the disciples to understand the fulfilment of Scripture. In the Upper Room, He continues this enlightening process, revealing deeper meanings and connections within the biblical texts. Additionally, the Apostle Paul affirms in his letter to the Corinthians that this experience is not limited to those early encounters but is available to all disciples throughout time.

As we approach Easter, it is an opportune time to immerse ourselves in the richness of Scripture, with a particular focus on passages that resonate with mystical themes. Consider delving into books such as the Acts of the Apostles, which captures the early Church's vigor; Ephesians and Colossians, which explore the depth of Christ's nature and the implications for believers; 1 Peter, which encourages perseverance in faith amid trials; and 1 John, with its emphasis on love and community. Lastly, the book of Revelation presents profound visions and messages that invite us to reflect on hope and divine fulfilment. By engaging deeply with these texts, we can allow the essence of Easter to saturate our understanding and experience of faith.

2. MYSTICISM :

Historically, there has been a distinction made between "ascetical" spirituality and "mystical" spirituality. Although this division has often been criticised for being overly simplistic and somewhat misguided (but that's a topic for another discussion), it points to a more profound truth that resonates with the themes of Lent and Easter.

Lent is a time of preparation, reflection, and penance, traditionally associated with self-denial and ascetic practices aimed at spiritual growth. In contrast, Easter represents a profound transformation; it is not simply about experiencing natural joy or engaging in a form of grace-fueled moral behaviour. Instead, Easter marks the celebration of new life, specifically a supernatural life that transcends our ordinary experiences.

To fully appreciate this spiritual journey, I encourage you to delve into the rich history and writings of various mystics and their explorations of mysticism. Each of these figures offers unique insights into the supernatural dimensions of spiritual life. Explore the profound thoughts of Bernard McGinn, who has made significant contributions to our understanding of mystical theology. Read the works of St. Aelred, whose writings reveal the deep bond of love in spiritual friendships. Consider the teachings of Pseudo-Macarius, who invites us to experience God's presence in the depths of our souls.

Don’t overlook the practicality of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, who embodied the practice of being in constant communion with God through simple daily acts. St. Gertrude the Great offers insights into the intimate relationship between the soul and the Divine. At the same time, St. Gregory of Nyssa provides a theological understanding of the spiritual ascent towards God. Lastly, the Philokalia, a collection of texts by various spiritual masters, serves as a guide to the contemplative and mystical practices of the Eastern Orthodox tradition.

By immersing yourself in the writings and teachings of these mystics, you can gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of Easter and the invitation to experience a richer, supernatural life in faith.

3. Relax, but remain attentive:

St. John Cassian offers a profound reflection on the spiritual struggles associated with the Easter season. He highlights that while the Church encourages us to embrace a more relaxed and celebratory atmosphere during this time, we must also acknowledge that our earthly challenges and the temptations posed by our adversaries do not simply vanish.

Easter represents a unique opportunity to participate in a "Sabbath of Sabbaths," a time when we can delve deeper into the concept of rest, learning not only to relax but also to engage in restorative practices that nourish our souls. This sacred rest calls for a deliberate choice to step back from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with our spiritual roots. However, mastering this art of rest is no simple task. It requires a conscious effort to resist merely succumbing to our base impulses, such as overindulgence or distraction. The Anglo-Irish Province of the Discalced Carmelites proudly holds a lovely annual gathering of all the friars during the Easter Octave. This special event offers a delightful opportunity for rest and helps us nurture a deeper attentiveness for our souls.

The significance of sacred rest as a pillar of spirituality cannot be overstated. It invites us to cultivate a space of tranquillity, allowing for reflection, renewal, and ultimately a closer relationship with the divine. This season encourages us to discover what it truly means to rest well, embracing the fullness of Easter while remaining vigilant against the distractions that threaten to disrupt our peace.

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT :

I found myself particularly struck by the significant amount of time Jesus dedicates to discussing the Holy Spirit during the Last Supper discourse in the Gospel of John. In those intimate moments with His disciples, He emphasises the importance of the Spirit as a guide and advocate, highlighting how integral the Holy Spirit will be to their lives and mission.

On Easter Sunday, we witness a profound moment when Jesus bestows the first gift of the Holy Spirit on His disciples, signifying a pivotal turning point in their journey. This act not only marks the beginning of their empowerment but also serves as a precursor to the remarkable outpouring of the Spirit that will occur at Pentecost.

As I reflect on these events, it becomes clear that our Risen Lord is inviting us into a deeper exploration of a spirituality centred around the Holy Spirit throughout the fifty days of the Easter season. This time of reflection and growth is an intentional call to embrace the transformative presence of the Spirit in our lives, urging us to open ourselves to the guidance and inspiration that comes from this divine relationship.

5. EASTER DEVOTIONS :

Engaging in the Via Lucis, or the Way of Light, is a profound way to celebrate the Easter season. This spiritual journey involves focusing on the seven virtues or the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, dedicating one week to each gift or virtue. This structured approach allows for a deep reflection on themes such as wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

In addition, renewing your baptismal promises is a powerful ritual that reaffirms your commitment to your faith and the community. It's an opportunity to reflect on the importance of your baptism and recommit to living out Christ's teachings. Meditating on heaven offers a chance to consider the ultimate goal of our faith. This practice encourages a mindset of hope and aspiration, inspiring a deeper longing for eternal life and union with God.

Incorporating praise and worship into your daily routine can significantly enhance your spiritual experience. Singing hymns and worship songs not only uplift the spirit but also creates a communal bond with others who share your faith. Lastly, reciting the Regina Coeli three times a day is a beautiful tradition during the Easter season. This Marian prayer, which celebrates the Resurrection, serves as a reminder of Mary’s role in salvation history and invites us to rejoice in Christ's victory over death. All of these practices combined can lead to a richer, more fruitful Easter season, deepening your faith and spiritual life.

6. NATURE :

During the Octave of Easter, I find myself in the charming city of Derry, Northern Ireland, where I am attending our Province's annual Gathering. It’s a serene time of year marked by reflections and reunions. On a charming day, I decided to venture to the quieter back side of the house, seeking solitude and fresh air with my companion friars. As I strolled along, my eye caught the sight of one of our revered elderly friars, a man whose wisdom and kindness have always been a guiding light for many of us.

He was comfortably seated on a bench, deeply engaged in meditation, taking in the breathtaking views that surrounded him. The lush green mountains loomed majestically in the distance, and a gentle river meandered nearby, sparkling in the sunlight. His tranquil demeanor and the peacefulness of the scene inspired me to pause and take in the beauty of Nature as well.

As I approached, he noticed my presence and greeted me with a warm smile. He began sharing the rich history of the house and the lands that cradle it, weaving in stories of its past and the incredible beauty of Nature that has always been a cherished companion in his life. He spoke with such reverence about the environment around us, drawing parallels between the physical landscape and the spiritual journey, illustrating how Nature reflects the Creator's splendour.

This particular Easter season, much like the Passover festivities that precede it, unfolds during the vibrant blossoming of spring and early summer in the northern hemisphere. The atmosphere is alive with lush greenery and the sweet aroma of blooming flowers. The biblical imagery found in the Song of Songs resonates powerfully with this verdant paschal theme, reminding us that both the narrative of Israel's liberation and the Resurrection signify a profound return to Eden, a place of harmony and pure existence.

The book Song of Songs encouraged me to fully immerse myself in this season. "Dive into that," It says with a twinkle in his eye. "Smell the flowers. Listen to the symphony of birds dancing in the trees. Plant seeds—both literally and metaphorically. Bathe in the warmth of the sun." These words reminded me of Mary Magdalene, who, in her profound encounter with the Risen Lord, mistook him for a gardener; a poignant detail that emphasises the sacredness of Nature and its role in our spiritual journey.

Being connected with the natural world, especially in the blossoming springtime, is a powerful remedy for the weary soul. The beauty and simplicity of Nature can reduce anxiety, ease tension, and serve as a necessary springboard to deeper, more contemplative prayer. Sitting there with him, surrounded by the wonders of Nature, I felt the weight of the world lift, allowing me to open my heart to the divine in new and meaningful ways.

7. ART :

As someone who understands the significance of this season, I am compelled to share my insights. Easter truly embodies the essence of beauty in its most exquisite form. Taking the time to consciously immerse ourselves in beauty during this season can profoundly enhance our ability to reflect and contemplate its deeper meanings.

Consider embracing the rich tapestry of art and culture that surrounds us; for instance, exploring a different painting each day allows us to witness the diverse interpretations of beauty and spirituality. Whether it's the vibrant colours of impressionism or the delicate strokes of realism, art can provide us with glimpses into the glory that Easter represents.

In addition to visual art, I highly recommend delving into various musical compositions. The transformative power of music can evoke emotions that align with the themes of renewal and hope that Easter signifies. Allowing yourself to get lost in the harmonies and rhythms can elevate your spirit and encourage introspection. Literature, too, plays a vital role in this exploration. Engaging with poetry or prose can illuminate the profound themes of sacrifice, redemption, and joy that are central to the Easter narrative. In particular, I have a fondness for the lyrical poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins; his works often reflect a deep reverence for the natural world and can inspire a greater appreciation for the beauty encompassing us. Furthermore, the innovative architecture of Antoni Gaudí offers a unique perspective on beauty, harmonising nature, faith, and artistic vision. His creations, like the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, invite contemplation through their intricate designs and symbolic elements.

In summary, by consciously engaging with various forms of beauty, through art, music, and literature, we can foster a deeper mindfulness this Easter, preparing our hearts and minds for profound reflection and appreciation of its sacred significance.

To Finish:

These are my personal recommendations for celebrating this sacred season. I invite my fellow priests and friends to share their own insights and suggestions in the comments below. However, as you contemplate your own ways of observing this time, keep this crucial point in mind: the fifty days of Easter hold a richness and significance that surpasses the forty days of Lent.

Throughout Lent, the world has observed our commitment to patience and penance, as we have sought to grow spiritually. Now, it is our opportunity to shine a light on the joy of the Resurrection. Let the world witness the profound happiness and celebration that this season brings, as we embrace the hope and renewal that Easter offers.

Have a beautiful and blessed Easter Month.