The Barn at the Homestead

The Barn at the Homestead

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

The Great Fifty Days of Easter

The Monday after Easter was a welcome rest for me from the hectic pace of Holy Week.  Life as a priest falls into certain rhythms, and Easter Monday provided some time to be home savoring the blessedness of our Parish Life.  I've read with great interest about the Amish and Easter Monday; it is not the time spent hunting bargains or half-priced candy.  Amish businesses are closed and the Amish spend the day visiting with family and friends.

In the Anglican tradition, my family is celebrating the Great Fifty Days of Easter.  It was St. Augustine who said, "We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song."  Each day, we look for joy, and signs of resurrection all around us (although as I pen these words, it is rainy and chilly and winter seems to be hanging on!) Perhaps your family (however you are configured) would like to celebrate these Great Fifty Days, too.  They begin with the Great Vigil of Easter and continue until the Feast of Pentecost (following the liturgical calendar)  Here is a website, while Roman Catholic in its orientation, may give you some food for thought!
Enjoy!

Next year following Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection, I think I'll take a cue from the Amish, and instead of just resting, or catching up on duties I didn't get done during Holy Week, I'll take Easter Monday and visit--with family and friends.  It will be a nice addition to our Fifty Day celebration.

Blessed Eastertide!