4 ways to keep Easter in our hearts (through next Lent)

As Easter's joyous celebrations become happy memories, it’s the perfect time to ponder ways to keep its uplifting spirit alive throughout the year.   

Easter is a period of renewal and transformation, inviting us to embrace fresh beginnings in nature’s blossoms and within our own lives.  

Although pastel colors and enduring symbols of spring lift us, the deeper essence of Easter summons us to live with purpose and faith. Here’s how to carry Easter’s light forward with wisdom from four dedicated friars.  

Br. John Barker, OFM, says, “taking time at the beginning, or maybe the end, of the day to focus on God and to give thanks with Christ in the Mass for all the good things God has done for us can help us to keep focused throughout the day on our commitment to discipleship. (Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe photo)

1. Keep attending Mass  

The tranquility and clarity we experience during Sunday Mass don’t have to be limited to only one day.   

According to Br. John Barker, OFM, pastor at Holy Family Church in Oldenburg, Indiana, engaging in service activities and weekday Mass is an excellent way to carry Easter's gift of renewal and transformation forward.  

“Taking time at the beginning, or maybe the end, of the day to focus on God and to give thanks with Christ in the Mass for all the good things God has done for us can help us to keep focused throughout the day on our commitment to discipleship,” he said.   

More frequent touchpoints with God can create a mindful routine.  

“Of course, the grace of communing with Christ in the Sacrament is the best way to grow into His likeness,” Br. John said. “As St. Augustine used to say: ‘Behold who you are, become what you receive!’” 

Try this  

Understand the scriptural origins and meaning of the Mass. Each part is rich with symbolism and purpose. Reflect on the holy sacrifice of the Mass and allow its significance to inspire your faith journey. 

Wild petunias growing at Siena Retreat Center in Racine, Wisconsin. Br. James Lockman, OFM, and ecologist, encourages us to care for God’s creation in the spirit of Easter by planting seeds. “Watch as the seed disappears into the ground, sprouts, and becomes a new, abundant life,” he said. (Photo courtesy of Eli Pacheco)

2. Embrace a personal mission  

The actual value of Scripture lies in its interpretation.  

Br. James Lockman, OFM, is an ecologist in San Diego, California. He references a parable from John 12:24-26: "Unless a grain falls into the earth and dies, it remains but a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest."  

In it, Jesus used a practice known to all who work the earth to forecast his death, resurrection and glorification in the reign of God.  

Jesus used a parable to illustrate how His death and resurrection would bring new life and reveal God's kingdom.  

“There are many other passages in the Gospels where Jesus uses the seed as a parable about the immediacy of the reign of God,” said Br. James, who serves from the Immaculate Conception Friary.  

Try this  

Get your hands dirty! Plant seeds: flowers, vegetables or shade-providing trees. Br. James views this as a living expression of the Gospel and a way to care for God's creation, aligning with the Franciscan Synod process objectives.  

“Watch as the seed disappears into the ground, sprouts, and becomes a new, abundant life,” he said. “The reign of God is like this.”  

3. Plan summer events  

Summer fun, food and fellowship represent Easter’s joy.  

Br. Carmen Scuderi, OFM, serves as parochial vicar of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Casimir and St. Stanislaus in Pulaski, Wisconsin. His parish hosts outdoor summer movie nights with popcorn, hot dogs, soft drinks and G or PG-13 flicks.  

On Tuesday evenings, they have a potluck or bread-and-soup meal in the church basement to watch “Chosen,” a historical drama about Jesus' life, followed by a discussion.  

“Our turnout is good,” Br. Carmen said. “It is a wonderful way to get families together and share the faith and community as a parish family. Both are free!”  

Try this  

Share news of gatherings through bulletins and emails! Encourage regulars to invite others – sometimes a warm nudge is all it takes.  

To live out Easter in life, it’s important to remember what Jesus did when he died on the cross, says Br. Jim Bok, OFM. “He emptied himself,” Br. Jim said, “giving his life for us.”

4. Live out Easter in everyday life  

Br. Jim Bok, OFM, of Pleasant Street Friary in Cincinnati, Ohio, distinguishes Lent as a period of emptying, not harvest.  

“Jesus did not deem equality with God something to be clung to, but rather emptied himself, taking on our human nature,” Br. Jim said. “Then he emptied himself, giving his life for us.”  

How can we honor Lent and Easter by emptying ourselves into the service of others?  

“If we deepen our relationship with Jesus, we must deal with family, friends, co-workers, people we dislike,” Br. Jim said. “We must see in that other person, Jesus.”  

Try this  

The steps aren’t profound and extravagant. As Franciscans, living a Gospel-centered life empowers us to help in our communities and spread God’s love and joy.  

“This is our Easter journey,” Br. Jim said. “This is our faith journey, to embrace the leper!  Day after day, we must struggle and root out things that prevent us from doing that. This is how we get into the right relationship with Jesus!  

“The Easter challenge is to love one another as Jesus loves us.”