Today is Easter Monday, a continuation of the joy of Easter Sunday.

 

Last week we celebrated the Triduum, and it was Holy Week beginning on Thursday through Saturday.

 

As I sat in Mass, specifically during Holy Week, I noticed a sense of tranquility among the parishioners in preparation for what was yet to come.

 

I felt that I needed more silence and praying instead of people being distracted by conversations and noise.

 

I also witness unity with the various demographics of parishioners all sitting side by side in a world with so much hate.

 

I belong to a small Catholic church with about four to five hundred people.

 

I witnessed many CEOs and others who showed up for services during this time.  CEOs are those that celebrate Christmas and Easter Only (CEO). Because the church is very welcoming and not too large, I know any of the faces.  We also welcomed our visitors at Mass, with some raising their hands as visitors.

 

Although these days during Holy Week were not in the Catholic Church, Holy Days of Obligation were days for the faithful to participate in the Mass.  However, many abstain from unnecessary work, rendering proper respect and suitable relaxation of mind and body.

 

All Sundays in all countries, some feasts, e.g. Easter, are always celebrated on Sundays, so they are always obligatory.

 

As I looked around, I also witnessed various generational gaps coming together for a common goal of worship.  Maybe their parents taught them the importance of counting their blessings, and now as adults, they were returning during Easter for continued prayers.

 

In addition, as I listened to all the readings of each day leading up to the Easter Vigil, the most extended Mass of the year, I counted myself fortunate.  I, too, also took time to say thanks.

 

Whether or not you participated in Holy Week, we must find time for tranquility.

 

Merriam-Webster defines tranquility as the quality or state of being tranquil.

 

The word quality stands out for me.

 

Typically, when I go to Mass, I don’t focus on the word quality, however, I do focus on my state of being.

 

Today as I write, I put quality and state of being in what I experienced during Holy Week.

 

It was quality time which was intentional.

 

You and I must be intentional in our thoughts, words, and how we choose our time.

 

Therefore, tranquility has made me calmer, serene, and free from stress or worry.

What about you this past week?

Will you continue to find time to be more tranquil in your everyday life and slow down?

Depending on your lifestyle, I know I have plenty of activities that I must balance, and everything can’t always be a priority.

 

All I want is what God wants for me, and I must focus on the things that matter.

 

This past week was not about being legalistic, relating to, or exhibiting strict adherence to the letter of the law but rather the spirit of the law.

 

Each of us this past week had a free choice or flexibility in deciding how we wanted to spend time reflecting as we celebrated the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus yesterday.

How has tranquility played out in your life this past week.  Have you found the time to reflect on life?  Do you realize why you have so much to be grateful for?

As I close, I pray that we do not let it pass as just another Monday in our lives on this Easter Monday. It’s my reminder God expects me to do what is right.

 

“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3 NIV