The weeks leading up to Easter Sunday are a holy period that invites you to celebrate the resurrection of Christ and revel in the love of your family and closest friends. This year, our Easter celebrations must happen a bit differently.
However, it’s still important to prepare your spirit for the holiday, even more so in today’s world. Below are a few simple ways to bring yourself closer to Christ during this holy time.
Actively Participate in Holy Week
Not only is it an obligation for Catholics, but Holy Week is the perfect opportunity to prepare your spirit for Easter Sunday. Actively engaging in the following Holy Week practices with your loved ones will prepare your spirit to accept Christ’s sacrifice and love for us into our lives in the difficult months to come.
Make an Effort to Attend Mass
Depending on your location, attend either a virtual or in-person mass, either by yourself or with a family member. (Don’t forget to remain socially distanced!) If you’re not comfortable with attending a mass in person, there are a number of free online resources you can use to find a virtual mass to pray and reflect this year, such as the Online Mass Finder by Tabella.
Read Relevant Bible Passages Carefully
The gospel is a comforting and illuminating source of light and comfort for us as we navigate difficult situations and dark periods. Below are a few passages for you to reflect on as you prepare to celebrate Christ and his return.
Matthew 28:1–10:
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
Ephesians 2:4–7:
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved ), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Genesis 22:9–14:
“In the mount of the LORD it will be provided.”
Being Grateful in 2021
However you choose to celebrate, keep Christ and his life in your thoughts as you prepare your spirit to accept the Lord’s love and forgiveness, which we need now more than ever.
