by Fr. Ben Cowgill, Associate Rector for Formation

The Great Fifty Days

What are the Great Fifty Days, and why should we care? Easter Sunday is past, and while we are entering full spring and the anticipation of summer, we need not forget that this glorious season of excitement and anticipation is matched in the church year by not one, not ten, but fifty days of celebrating Christ’s Resurrection! Welcome to the Great Fifty Days! 

Two years ago I challenged the congregation to pray the Pascha Nostrum (Christ our Passover) Prayer each of the Fifty days of Easter. This prayer includes three key passages that tell us what Easter is all about. This prayer, and the Sunday morning readings throughout Easter season teach us to find Jesus in our midst, that we might recognize him and believe. We’ve already heard the accounts of the first witnesses on Easter Sunday, of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and the disciples (including Thomas) who physically encounter Jesus as he appears to them behind locked doors. This theme continues with readings from John’s gospel: “I am the Good Shepherd.” “I am the true Vine.” “Abide in me.” These readings point us to the resurrected Christ through whom many new things are possible—including the possibility that he is with us each day.  

So rejoice in these Great Fifty Days as we celebrate the resurrection. Join us at church as we celebrate the Good News and draw closer to God in Christ. See you Sunday!