The Great Fifty Days

“[Jesus] presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”  Acts 1:3

Easter Sunday begins a period of time known as the “Great Fifty Days,” or the “Eastertide.” Eastertide, or Easter Time, Paschaltide, the “Paschal Season,” or “Paschal Time” is the fifty-day period following Easter Sunday and ending at Pentecost. During the Easter season, Jesus appeared to and taught the Disciples and followers prior to the Ascension. Jesus ascended on the fortieth day of the Easter Season, and ten days later the Disciples were gathered for Shavuot, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them.

Shavuot, meaning “weeks,” was a celebration of the first fruits of the harvest and the giving of the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. This was a fifty-day celebration during which the First Fruits of the Spirit were given to the Disciples, just as the fulfillment of the Law was given to them in the person of the Risen Christ. The day of Pentecost, meaning fifty, is the last day of Shavuot.

The time between Easter and Pentecost was a time of celebration and learning for the Disciples, and it is still so for us. Paschaltide is an opportunity for us to cultivate a spirit of joy, living without fear as we see the world again for the first time–as with new eyes.

Live with Joy

Joy of the Lord is a deep spiritual connection to Christ that cannot be taken away, even in the midst of sorrow. The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus teach us that suffering is transformed through faith in the Risen Christ. With this faith, we are able to hold on to an enduring sense of joy even in the midst of the sadness we experience from the loss of a loved one, a failure to achieve an important goal, a setback during recovery from an illness, or a personal crisis.

Live without Fear

The Resurrection teaches us that God can overcome anything, even death (physical and spiritual). When the Risen Christ appears to the women at the tomb and later to his disciples, his first words are “Do not be afraid!” (Mt 28:5,10) These words speak to our hearts, helping us cope with the fear from the loss of a job, a serious illness, or a crumbling relationship, or cultural upheaval. Our faith allows us to trust that God can overcome our most serious problems.

Live with New Eyes

Easter means to live with a sense of newness. Just as the return of spring lifts our spirits and makes us feel like the whole world is new, the Resurrection of Jesus makes “all things new.” (Rev. 21:5) The Easter spirit is a spirit of renewal that enables us to show up at work with a positive attitude, to renew relationships that have been taken for granted, and to express appreciation and affection to those closest to us. It means to see the world through new eyes—God's eyes.

These fifty days are Jesus' gift to us to read again the experience of the Disciples and to join with them in their growth in God. Embrace this gift and pursue this opportunity as Christ pursues you. Embrace joy, live without fear, and see, in Him all things are made new.

Through eyes that see,
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Fr. Bill+