Keeping Easter Joy Allive

As we are launching into May, our Easter flowers are looking sort of sad now.  I do not think that we have any lilies left at all.  The Baptismal font is becoming less appealing, and our candle display is almost depleted.  During advent or Lent we would be looking forward to the big celebration of Christmas or Easter.  But during the Easter season we have all sort of grown weary of proclaiming 'alleluia.'

But maybe to maintain that same sense of Easter Joy is not so much about more lights and color, as it is a sense of direction.  Looking ahead to the Ascension readings, the apostles who had been with Jesus all the way through the death and resurrection, stand around unsure of what to do next.  When we get to this point of this awesome season, rather than beginning to put things away, maybe we should put into action all of the truths that we have taken away from this season.

Hopefully the time of Lent allowed us to understand that there are parts of our life that we can do without and are not life-giving.  We might have realized that there are higher goals that we can set for ourselves, and achieve, if we put our faith into action.  Sometimes all it takes is that radical decision to love or to forgive.  Months ago I had decided to keep my desk clean and organized.  I began the habit of filing and throwing things away.  I know that I will not read that mailing later, and I know it is more advantageous to file a piece of paper now, than when I come back to the office in the morning.  But this has helped also in sending out consolation cards, birthday cards, and anniversary cards.  Every little bit helps.

To keep our faith fresh means that we engage in those profound actions of prayer, meditation, and works of charity, because  this is what our baptism calls us to do.  Otherwise we are simply boxing up a 'season' and placing it on a shelf until next year.  The real work of the Easter season is the making known the Good News of the Gospel message.  Imagine from this day on you would wear a bright t-shirt  with the letter 'E' on it.  Every-time someone asks about the shirt you would have to explain your faith with them.  Well we get a baptismal garment at Easter are are asked to wear it boldly.

While the flowers are fading we have to make a special effort to keep the meaning of Easter alive in our lives.  Folks should know that we are still celebrating Easter.