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Here we are, moving through the 50 days of Easter toward Pentecost on May 28. This time, and, indeed, all the days ahead, provide us with the opportunity to be intentional in living the characteristics of Easter people, learned as we journeyed through Holy Week with Christ – courage, gratitude, generosity, prayer, sacrificial love and joy.
This is no small task, as we adults are well aware, life is challenging, not only for us but for our children. So, how can we live Easter intentionally all year ‘round?
First, focus on the joy – the reality and possibilities of new life.
For me, this has meant imagining Jesus as a man of joy. It seems unlikely that Jesus would have changed the world, with just 12 ordinary men as disciples, if there weren’t some element of joy in him – that deep, transforming quality that may not show itself in frivolity but lives root-deep in a person’s being.
I often imagine Jesus gathered with the Apostles around a fire, talking over the day’s events, their mission and sharing a meal. I’m certain there was a lot of laughter and animated conversation, and maybe even dancing. They belonged with Jesus. The image encourages me to ask Jesus to share that experience of joy with me.
That image also brings to mind a good friend who shared with me her fond memories when, as a teen, she and her CYO friends went to Mass every morning of Holy Week. That immersion in their faith, their participation together, sharing breakfast afterward, reinforced her sense of Catholic identity and unity. There was an underlying joy in the experience of putting normal daily activities aside to practice their faith, bringing with it a sense of grace that is worth seeking daily.
St. Pope John Paul II stresses that “joy is demanding.” He proposes that we “are not looking for a shallow joy but rather a joy that comes from faith, that grows through unselfish love, that respects the ‘fundamental duty of love of neighbor, without which it would be unbecoming to speak of Joy.’”
Classroom topics for living Easter throughout the year
There are unlimited ways teachers may incorporate these characteristics of Easter into lessons throughout the year. Share ideas with other teachers and remember to ask children lots of questions to help them express their understanding of these characteristics and offer suggestions about making them part of who we are as followers of a joyful Jesus.
Courage
My lessons in courage come from Mary, who had the faith to say yes to God, without certainty of the future. She journeyed with Jesus no matter how painful it was and stood at the foot of his Cross, watching him die, never losing her faith in God’s promises. We take on Mary’s courage when we walk with someone on their journey, when we stand steadfast in our faith, and when we raise our children to know and love God, especially in a world, described by Pope Francis as no longer “able to lift its gaze towards God.”
Gratitude
I recently read a wonderful description of gratitude as “the wardrobe of Easter.” The author reminds readers of St. Paul’s admonition to the Colossians: “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” In the coming year, put on gratitude daily.
Generosity
If we are to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, to be his hands and feet in the world, then we must remember that his life and death were supreme acts of grace and generosity. Our generosity is not confined to charitable donations. More important is a generosity of spirit which allows us to heal and renew relationships, forgive trespasses, love more fully, and listen with our ears and our hearts. Look honestly at your spirit and decide if more generosity is needed.
Sacrificial love
If there’s anything we should have learned through Holy Week and Easter is that Jesus’ love is selfless and sacrificial. We emulate that sacrificial love whenever we reach out to someone in need – whether it is a physical, spiritual or emotional need. We are presented with opportunities to volunteer in service to others through our parishes, in our communities, and in our classrooms. We can help children to prayerfully consider their response to others.
Prayer
In the book of Lamentations, Scripture assures us, “The Lord’s acts of mercy are not exhausted, his compassion is not spent; They are renewed each morning – great is your faithfulness!” Consider a new prayer practice. St. Cyprian offers this meaningful advice: "There should be prayer in the morning so that the resurrection of the Lord may thus be celebrated." Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours is a good place to start, but if morning is a challenge, there is Afternoon Prayer and Evening Prayer.
A short, simple morning offering may be added to daily prayers: “Thank you, God, for giving us this day; help us to be like Jesus in all we think, do, and say. Amen.”
For older children, and adults, consider this morning offering, adapted from a prayer by St. Therese of Lisieux: “Dear God, I offer you all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to you.”
A reflection for teachers: St. Pope John Paul II once shared wisdom that included a now famous quote: “We do not pretend that life is all beauty. We are aware of darkness and sin, of poverty and pain. But we know Jesus has conquered sin and passed through his own pain to the glory of the Resurrection. And we live in the light of his Paschal Mystery – the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. ‘We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!’”
About the AuthorMary Clifford Morrell, mother of six and grandmother to ten, is a Catholic journalist, editor, and author who has served the Dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey; Burlington, Vermont, and RENEW International in the areas of religious education and communication.