The Fifty Day Feast

Saint Athanasius, one of the great Fathers of the early Church, said, “The fifty days from the Sunday of the Resurrection to Pentecost Sunday are celebrated in joy and exultation as one feast day, indeed as one ‘great Sunday.’”

It is important that we continue to celebrate the joy, the peace, and the hope that Easter brings. Unfortunately, reminders of Easter in the secular world do not last long.

There are no more Easter greeting cards or decorations in the stores, and Easter does not have familiar “carols” associated with it in our secular culture, as Christmas does. How, then, do we continue the celebration?

The most important way we continue it is with our faithful participation in the Mass. Every time we participate in the Mass, we encounter the Risen Lord just as really and truly as the first Christians did in the gospel readings we hear during this season. By bringing our heart and soul completely with us to the Mass, we continue the Easter experience.

Another way to continue the Easter celebration is by being messengers of hope to those around us. Easter is the final victory of God over sin and death; we have nothing to fear if we are united with him. Let’s spread this awesome news and tremendous hope to everyone we meet.

Alleluia!

Gratefully yours,