1. Watch The Passion of the Christ
I have a tradition where, each year, on Good Friday, I watch Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. It is the most realistic portrayal of Jesus’s crucifixion, written in traditional Aramaic, and it is brutal. Watching this movie is not necessarily a pleasant experience, so don’t pop any popcorn or expect to be enthused, this is an intense movie. Yet, I think it is necessary for Christians to watch. It reminds me each year what Easter is truly about and the sacrifices Jesus made so that I could have the life that I have right now.
2. Take 10 Minutes of Quiet Each Day
I try to do this throughout the season of Lent, but especially during Holy Week. Holy Week is so important to our Catholic faith, Easter being the entire reason Christianity exists in the first place, so this is the prime time for God to try to whisper in our ears. Taking just 10 minutes of your day to sit in silence and be with God may just be the answer to the questions you have been asking him for years.
3. Don’t Be Afraid To Answer Hard Questions
This is probably the hardest part about being a Christian. During this time, people around you might be asking “why?” a lot. “Why are you fasting?” “Why are you collecting money?” “Why did you give up that thing for a whole 40 days?” Don’t be afraid of these questions and don’t be afraid to answer truthfully, people are asking because they want to know! Jesus never strayed away from questions during His ministry, and if you can answer it using a witty story, bonus points for you!
4. Talk to God
As well as times of silence, make sure you have periods of conversation with God too. I’ve done this so much that sometimes I catch myself talking to God throughout my day without even meaning to. Trade in the time you usually spend talking to yourself when no one is around and instead talk to God, He wants to hear how you’re doing, what you’re thinking, and how He can make you happy.
5. Rejoice!
When Easter Sunday rolls around, be happy! Your Lord, your God, has defied all odds and risen from the dead because He loves us! So, in between eating chocolate bunnies and having Easter egg hunts in the backyard, make sure you take some time to say thanks to the Big Man upstairs for everything He has done for you.
6. Give Back to Your Community
Jesus died for you so that you can die to selfishness. Give back to your community in some way this season. There is no act too big or two small. Whether you’re collecting money for your Rice Bowl, or organizing an entire event to raise money for a charity, make sure to do your part.
7. Tell Your Parents You Love Them
Although the sacrifices your parents made can never compare to what Jesus did, in a way, your parents have sacrificed everything for you. Make sure that you thank whoever has taken care of you this Easter season, and I’m sure buying them some chocolate couldn’t hurt either.
8. Go to Mass
I know, most millennials don’t want to go to mass, and hey, I’m with you. Sometimes mass is boring and doesn’t really help bring you any closer to God, but during the Easter season, mass is the greatest way to be around people who know what you know. Being in a large group of people who are celebrating the same way that you are is the best feeling in the world, plus the church is usually decorated with beautiful flowers and spring-time decorations so Instagram will be shook!
9. Pick A Person to Be Sacrificed For
No, I don’t mean that you should be nailed to the cross or anything, but pick one person in your life who has sacrificed for you more than anyone else and go out of your way to make a day all about them. Cook their favorite dinner, watch their favorite movie, or just leave them alone all day (if that’s what they want), put yourself aside for one day and live the way Jesus lived His whole life.
10. Be Positive
