Here is the list of Ten Things to give up during Eastertide from Father Christian Raab, OSB, of Saint Meinrad's Archabbey:

Fear and anxiety. When the Apostles are locked away because of fear, Jesus comes through the locked door.  See John 20: 19-19.

Despair. Jesus shows the Apostles His hands and His side (John 20: 20), showing us what we thought was the end is not the end.

Meaninglessness and purposelessness. Jesus says to them after His resurrection, “The Father has sent me, now I send you" (John 20:21).  We have a meaning, we have a purpose, we have a task to bear fruit.

Attachments to the past.  Jesus says to Mary Magdalene, “Stop holding on to Me.” (John 20:17) We must give up the ways Jesus was yesterday, and that's hard to do, but He wants us to look for how He is coming to us today.  He does not want us trapped in the past. (See John 20: 11-18).

Grudges. Jesus, the Risen Lord, forgives Peter on the seashore and He forgives the Apostles for abandoning Him. (See John 21: 1-19).

Unbelief.  Jesus says to Thomas, “Do not be unbelieving, but believe. Put your finger here and see my hands, bring your hand and put it in my side" (John 20: 27).

Sins.  Saint Paul tells us in Galatians tells us that Jesus Christ suffered and die to set us free from Sin.  Do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.  (Galatians 5:1).  So after giving up sins in Lent, Easter is not a time to just turn into gluttons.  In fact, Easter is full of graces for the overcoming of sin. That's an awesome thing to think about.

Discouragement. We remember that Jesus is victor over Sin and Death (1 Corinthians 15: 58), and He is here with us to lean on.

Indifference and lukewarmness.  Jesus says He's coming soon and He's coming as judge (Acts 1: 11).  So we are called during the season to take Him seriously and renew our seriousness about being disciples.

The life of isolation.  Jesus says to Peter and the Apostles, “Come have breakfast” (John 21: 12).  So, He asks us to give up our life of isolation and join with others in the Church.  Have you taken time to pray with anyone new recently or have you isolated yourself to only your friends and family?

From All Set for Sunday: #181 Fifth Sunday of Easter, Apr 24, 2024

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