The forty, introspective days of Lent are behind us.
The feet were washed on Maundy Thursday.
Jesus was crucified and buried on Good Friday.
The tomb was empty at Easter Vigil.
We sang our favorite Easter hymns with the organ and string ensemble.
The Easter egg hunts have ceased.
The Easter lilies have been taken back to their homes (most of them).
Church staff has gotten back into a normal sleep pattern.
Now what?
Do we go back to our “normal” lives, unchanged by the Easter message?
Do we go into “summer mode,” where Jesus’ mission takes a back seat for three months?
Do we put it on cruise control until Christmas?
How does Easter continue to fit into our daily lives?
Easter is known as “The Great Feast.” It is arguably the high point of the entire church year as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is actually a season-long celebration that last for 50 days, ending on Pentecost, the day when the Holy Spirit was given to the apostles. Growing up, I never realized Easter was a fifty-day celebration, I just figured it was the one day we got candy and elaborate Easter baskets. Life went back to “normal” after Easter and Kroger’s seasonal aisle prompted us to start thinking about Cinco de Mayo celebrations or Memorial Day cookouts.
But what would happen if we continued the excitement of Easter and the life-changing resurrection of Jesus, beyond the acknowledged holiday? How can we continue to celebrate new life, and promised eternal life, each day during this season of Easter? It won’t be easy. I know I only lasted about five or six days on the Lenten Photo Challenge, but I can’t let fear of failure stop me.
I encourage you to join with me over the next 46 days (or more), to attempt to intentionally live out the mission of the resurrected Jesus in little ways each day. How can we show love and forgiveness to those around us? How can we help to bring about new or renewed life to the world around us? If you want some ideas, here is a site that offers 50 ways to celebrate Easter: www.wau.org/resources/article/re6_family_50_days_easter/
Grab ahold of these ideas or create your own, and celebrate our new life in Christ. Please share your experiences on our social media sites with #LOLMissionInAction.
Happy Easter (Season)!
Pastor Corey