Happy Easter
Which one has more people wishing: “Happy Easter” or “Happy New Year”?
When I was writing this post I tried to Google “Easter’s Resolutions”. It got two million and six hundred thousand results or 2,600,000. And when I typed “New Year’s Resolutions” the results showed fifty-three million and four hundred thousand or 53,400,000. Not only did I notice the huge difference, but the pages that had something to do with New Year’s Resolutions seemed endless. And those expressly related to Easter’s Resolutions are few and are mixed with many about computer screen products (due to the key word “resolutions”).
We need more Easter Resolutions
I was so intrigued by this. And I thought that Easter is considered the highest religious observance in the whole of Christianity. Higher even than Christmas. (“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.“ 1 Corinthians 15:17). Easter is the joyful celebration of renewal – Christ’s victory over death. Isn’t it also the best time to make resolutions? Resolutions are about renewal, to be better than the previous Easter.
Maybe because not many Christians are posting about Easter’s Resolutions on the internet? Or maybe because when it comes to New Year’s Resolutions one does not have to be a Christian to be inspired to post something about it. After all, Christianity does not have a clear tradition when it comes to New Year’s celebration.
For Christians New Year’s resolutions are not enough
There are some bible teachers who try to find biblical proof that New Year celebration is very much a part of Christian tradition, commonly citing the passages found in Exodus 12:2, when Yahweh told Moses, “This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year.” I am not so sure about this since the first organized calendar did not come until it was introduced by the Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar, who was born in 100 B.C.E. That calendar was naturally called the Julian Calendar. Then in 1582 C.E. that was ordered revised by Pope Gregory XIII, hence the name Gregorian Calendar.
And Moses was believed to have been born in 1400 B.C.E. Surely the “calendar” used during the time of Moses was neither the Julian nor the Gregorian. So when people today shout Happy New Year at exactly midnight every December 31st they cannot be thinking of Yahweh’s words in Exodus 12:2.
But we do it quietly and privately
We go back to Easter. How come this greatest feast in the Christian calendar is not associated with people making Easter Resolutions? At least for Christians. Again, this is about rebirth, about renewal, new life. From hereon I am resolute to be a better Christian than last year’s Easter celebration.
I think for Christians, Easter is the best time to make a resolution, at least privately and quietly. It is because, especially during the Easter vigil (or Easter Sunday Mass), there is one thing that is always striking to me: what happens during the Renewal of Baptismal Vows or Promises.
The proof of Jesus’ resurrection
Let me go back to my simple understanding of the core message of Easter. When I was a boy we had this lovely volunteer catechist. The topic for the day was about Christ’s resurrection, and she was reading from the passage about the empty tomb (Mark 16:1-8). Holding up her colorful visual aids, we could see the burial cave of Jesus and it was empty. So, there it is, I could remember her almost saying to us kids who were mesmerized by those drawings. Jesus was raised from the dead, no question about it, as evidenced by the empty tomb. My poor catechist. Of course, as I grew older and went through so many religion classes, I learned that the empty tomb was not proof of Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
Something great happened
According to my religion teacher in high school – this means many years after our lovely volunteer catechist! – the ultimate proof that Christ was risen from the dead was because something happened! A very, very significant event in the lives of Jesus’ disciples. From a small group of very scared and hopelessly disillusioned devoted followers to a band of fearless and courageous messengers of the good news. They we filled with urgency and fiery fervor. Something very deep and powerful happened within them. That was indubitable proof that Jesus was alive. They “went forth and preached [the gospel] everywhere…”(Mark 16:20).
Something great happened to us, too
This to me is the core message of Easter. Something very significant happened to us when we were baptized. We were transformed. But that transformation is still on-going; something is still happening in our lives. And during Easter celebrations we are reminded of that.
I do not remember anything when I was baptized as a baby, which many Catholics can relate with. And since the sacrament of baptism happens only once in our lifetime, we cannot be baptized again in adulthood. The Renewal of Baptismal Vows or Promises is a powerful reminder of that once-in-a-lifetime event.
We renew our promises
So, what do we publicly renew during Easter mass? What we reject and what we believe. Reject Satan, all his works, all his empty promises. And we believe in God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
We admit our failures
Having said that, the Renewal of Baptismal Vows or Promises takes more meaning to me personally when linked to the words in the Confiteor. It takes place during the Penitential Act, especially in most Sunday masses. When I was younger I eagerly participated in its recitation without even thinking what the words meant. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the beautiful meaning of each word. I have finally found the clue of what it simply means to be Christian. Also, I have found some personal meaning of St. Paul’s words: “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish way.” (1Corinthians 13:11)
We ask for forgiveness for those failures
So, what are the highlights of the “I Confess…”? That I admit to God and to my fellow human beings that I have greatly sinned through my thoughts and words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do. I have admitted – three times! – that it was my fault. And I ask the Virgin Mary, the angels and saints, and all my fellow faithful to pray for me because of those sins. I hope that God in His almightly love and power may have mercy on me and grant His forgiveness.
Two types of sins
Those words are so pregnant with meanings. I may write volumes of reflections on the 85-word Confiteor. But for the purpose of this post, I would like to focus on that part which says, “in what I have done and in what I have failed to do.” Traditionally, we refer to this as recognizing the two “types” of sins (when we disobey God’s commands according to the Scriptures): sins of commission and sins of omission.
Using Moses’ checklist to examine our sins
As a boy I tried doing what I was taught, and that’s to not do bad things. And I honesly remember it as a bit easy, if not funny at first. Going back to that beautiful volunteer catechist, preparing for our first confession, she distributed a small paper and told us to memorize its contents and it was where we had to determine where we committed bad things. There were ten listed. From #1 to #5 I passed with flying colors. The #6 scared the daylight out of me (murder?). Then #7 needed some explanation from our catechist (Class, you may skip that part!). Numbers 8 and 9 were fine (I stole small stuff and lied a bit). But #10 was as terrifying as it was confusing (do no covet this, do not covet that). We all made it through, though. Thanks to our hard-working beautiful volunteer catechist.
An Old Testament Christian
So, growing up I was raised a catholic who was always mindful of the Ten Commandments. Do not do this, do not do that. It was easy, though; numbers 6, 7, and 10 were much easier to observe even. But then St. Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians slowly came into the picture. I cannot remain a child, especially when it comes to faith. One has to become an adult and learn to take responsibility for one’s actions. A beautiful volunteer catechist could not be expected to be there all the time.
A New Testament Christian
In my youth, Christian life became more romantic and idyllic to me. If somebody had asked me what came to my mind right away on how I would picture myself living my faith, I would have surely answered without hesitation, “The Eight Beatitudes”! Yes, the Sermon on the Mount of Jesus (Matthew 5:3-12) is so refreshing to hear, with all those Blessedness! Now my destination is very clear. The words were more joyful, and hopeful compared to the scary admonitions found in the Ten Commandments.
The Old Testament AND the New Testament Christian
However, the words of St. Paul to the Corinthians do not lose it power. They continue to speak to me. Later in my life I have discovered that the road from being an Old Testament Christian to a New Testament Christian is actually very long and paved with scarier challenges. This is the land bridge between the two – from a faith based more on fear toward a faith based on blessedness. And this, to me, is the hardest part of being a Christian.
Two sins we reflect on Easter
I confess…I have sinned…in what I have done. This is the first half of being a Christian. There are things that we should not do because doing so is not who we are. Sometimes this is easy. However, I do not believe that MOB and NIMB (Minding Own Business and Not In My Backyard) make me a good Christian.
I may not do something bad to my neighbor, but I also do not do anything to lift my neighbor’s spirit, either. There is the other half, “and in what I have failed to do“. And this can be harder, doing something because doing so is who we are. It is not just being kind or nice, or giving smiles to others. Robbers and thieves can appear kind when they approach us, people who gossip behind our back can look nice in front of us. Many people who are not Christians extend their beautiful smiles; but it does not mean all of them are willing to stand up for or die for us. So, what are those acts that we are expected to do but sometimes failed to because doing so can hurt us, even destroy us?
Matthew 25:35-40
Let us reflect on the words in Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry, and you gave me food.
Was thirsty and you gave me a drink.
I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
Was naked and you clothed me.
I was sick and you visited me.
Was in prison, and you came to me.
Then the righteous will answer him, saying, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? …When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you’?
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers (and sisters), you did it to me.’
Faith is not a noun but an action word
Yes, we have heard that so many times. But this is my own personal journey. I have understood that Faith is not a noun; it is an action word! Christianity is not just about not doing bad things but equally about doing the right thing. And it can be easier said than done.
Let me count the ways
If someone comes to me hungry for encouragement, I give them my kind words.
But words, however kind, is not enough. They need to act on them. What happens if they want you to always decide on things for them?
When someone is thirsty for guidance, I offer my knowledge and sympathy.
What do you do if as soon as they turn their back they still stick to their own wrong plan, and wrongly accuse you of misleading them? What they came for is not guidance, but affirmation of their made-up mind.
If someone disagrees with my views and opinions about anything, I do not reject them as strangers, I do all I can to understand them and welcome their opposing views.
This can be hard, some people want to win and they take the differences personally. And they accuse you of being disloyal to them, even if their views are obviously wrong.
And more ways
When someone feels naked because they are shamed and disrespected by other people unfairly, I stand up and fight for their honor and dignity.
This can be harder if they themselves suddenly got cold feet or are not willing to stand up and fight themselves, and you are left holding the empty bag. The worst thing is when they suddenly switch sides and sell you out instead.
If people have harmed me unintentionally because of their human flaws, I do all I can to revisit our strained bond and try to repair it. And if they ask for forgiveness, I willing grant it to them.
But what if they cannot see or refuse to see their own shortcomings? How can they see the need for forgiveness? Worse, if they blame everything on you? Worst, if they begin to climb the rooftop and announce to the world the exact opposite of the narrative? Are you willing to jump into the mud just to clear your name? It is said, “Pigs love mud. Do you?’
When people find life suffocating and unbearable, the least I can do is to keep my distance or make sure I am not an added pain in their neck.
Some people, even your loved ones, want some distance but will not let you go. You are stuck closely watching them melting away. This can be torture.
There was a time when going to church was easier, you did what was taught and told. And that was when I was a boy. Then came a time when I began to appreciate my faith because the reward of blessedness was so irresistable. But then came the hard realization that Christian faith is a verb, an action word.
The question on Easter
So, during the celebration of Easter I always keep in mind the two important questions: what are the things that I have done which I was not supposed to do? And what are the things that I did not do which I was supposed to do, according to the words in the Scriptures?
+50 -50 =0
If I come before the Lord and He finds that I am perfect in not doing the things I was not supposed to do, He may give me a score of +50%. On the other hand, if He finds that I did not do the things I was supposed to do, He may also give me a -50%. And simple math says +50 -50 = 0! How can I receive that Blessedness with a score of 0?
Happy Easter!
This Easter if somebody wishes me Happy Easter, I will think of the reason why Easter is a happy event. It is the greatest celebration of my Christian faith. Something great happened to me in my baptism – that tremendous gift of being transformed in Christ. I become an instrument to bring transformation to the world, by not doing that which is unjust, unkind, and other acts that I do not want others do to me. And to do those things that I want others to do to me, justice, compassion, and love.
At Easter I am reminded of the core meaning of my faith. It is not just about not doing bad things but also about doing the right thing. And for all my failures, I confess.
For sure, I will make my own Easter Resolution. But I better not post it on the internet. It is okay if the Google search results on Easter Resolutions stay the same at 2,600,000, as compared to 53,400,000 for New Year’s Resolutions, and counting.
