I have been thinking of the right words to describe Easter 2026. All day yesterday, I felt like I was supposed to post something like, “Hallelujah, He is Risen!” or “Happy Easter!” However, I found myself struggling to express those sentiments, and today, as I was doing my daily devotion, I figured out why. Easter is more than one day.
For Catholics like me, Easter begins with the preparation period of Lent starting with Ash Wednesday. I look at Lent as the warm-up, the pre-game show, or self-reflection that comes before a big game, performance, or period of self-growth. It is a time to prepare for what is to come by revisiting the miracles that Jesus performed, the obstacles and temptations he encountered, and his humanity; it is a time that gets us ready mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically (we do a lot of sit, kneel, stand Catholic Cardio) for Holy Week.
Holy Week is like the final countdown to Easter. Beginning on Holy Thursday, we remember the washing of the feet and The Last Supper. This year I experienced the most beautiful recreation of these events. At the Mass we attended, some of those who had their feet washed were then the Eucharistic Ministers. I could not think of a more perfect way to show being like one of the Apostles tasked with spreading the Good News of Jesus. Then on Good Friday, we returned to Mass. Our Good Friday service is very different than a typical Mass as it consists of the Liturgy of the Word, Adoration of the Cross, and a Communion Service. Hearing the Passion on Good Friday is always moving as it is an eloquent portrayal of the humanity and divinity that Jesus experienced in his final hours. Also, having just a moment to personally reflect at the foot of the cross is always moving. If you open your heart to adoration and kneeling before the cross, then the Holy Spirit will fill your heart with the love and light of Jesus. Even if you have committed the darkest sin, you can ask God for forgiveness in your final moments and experience all that He has to offer. Not sure? Look up Saint Dismas. Dark Saturday as it is sometimes called follows Good Friday. On this night we celebrate the Easter Vigil, and even if you are not Catholic (or even religious for that matter), I recommend you attend this Mass. It covers everything from the beginning and encompasses the promises of the Resurrection beautifully. The Mass even begins in the dark and slowly transitions to light as the Mass progresses much like the return of the King.
Obviously Easter Sunday follows, and most people are familiar with what happened on the Third Day. Hence all of the “He Is Risen” posts that were made yesterday. But what happens after? In the Catholic Church (and some other Western Churches), the celebration of Easter has just begun. The week following is called The Octave of Easter, and each day celebrates a portion of the Resurrection and subsequent events. As an example, today highlighted Mary Magdalene and how she ran to spread the joyous news after seeing that Jesus was alive. While I read tonight, my attention kept being drawn to the “she ran” portion. When is the last time that you literally ran to tell someone about Jesus? Me? Never. I only run if I’m being chased. Along the same line, when is the last time you symbolically ran to tell someone about Jesus? There was a time when I never would have blogged, posted, or talked to others about my faith. Yet here I am, laying it all out on the line. Could it lose me followers? Maybe. But is an earthly loss worth being honest about who I am? Absolutely! I look forward to the remainder of the events chronicled during the Octave of Easter and on through Pentecost as that is truly the conclusion of Easter.
What is the meaning of sharing how Easter is more than one day? One, I would love to see more people (myself included) attest to the power of the Resurrection all of the time. Two, I want people to realize that Easter starts with a day, but it is actually a full season of rejoicing. Go forth to love and serve the Lord all year long!
XOXO,
The Great Kaysby
PS…for those who are like me and have experienced periods of doubt, questions that others may not ask about the Gospels, and an opportunity of judgement free reflection on the works of Jesus, checkout the following titles on Amazon by yours truly: Matthew & Me, Making Your Mark, Life Lessons with Luke, and Journeying with John.
The Great Kaysby 