The Octave of Easter is an eight-day period set aside to celebrate one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith: the Resurrection.  It is a time of heightened jubilation and exaltation, when the joy within the Christian community is at a fever pitch.  The Octave of Easter extends from Easter Sunday until the Second Sunday of Easter. 

The Gospel readings during the Octave include some of the most beautiful passages of scripture from the time after Jesus’ Resurrection and his first encounters with his friends and disciples.  These readings remind us of the importance of Jesus’ Resurrection and the power of living out his message here on earth. 

Easter Sunday: Jesus' tomb is empty (Jn 20:1-9). 
Spiritual essence: Death is not the end of the story. 

Monday in the Octave of Easter: Jesus’ appearance to a number of women who were returning from the tomb (Mt 28:8-15). 
Spiritual essence: Our God is a God of surprises! 

Tuesday in the Octave of Easter: Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene who was weeping beside the entrance to the tomb (Jn 20:11-18). 
Spiritual essence: Walk by faith and not by sight. 

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter: Jesus' appearance to Cleopas and another disciple on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35). 
Spiritual essence: Always look for Christ in others. 

Thursday in the Octave of Easter: Jesus' appearance to the disciples huddled together in the Upper Room in Jerusalem on Easter Sunday night (Lk 24:35-48). 
Spiritual essence: Look for Christ in the midst of the mess. 

Friday in the Octave of Easter: Jesus' appearance to his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Jn 21:1-14). 
Spiritual essence: Build your hopes on Christ. 

Saturday in the Octave of Easter: An account of multiple appearances, first to Mary Magdalene, next to two men on the road to Emmaus, and then to the Eleven who were at table together (Mk 16:9-15). 
Spiritual essence: True strength is sharing joy, love, hope, and kindness. 

Second Sunday of Easter: Jesus' appearance to the ten in the Upper Room on the first day of the week, and then seven days later, his subsequent appearance, not only to the ten, but also to Thomas (Jn 20:19-13). 
Spiritual essence: Doubt is not an enemy of faith, but disengagement is. 

"The good leave an inheritance to their children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the just." - Proverbs 13:22 

It's enjoyable to look back at days gone by.  We're fascinated by watching old movies, listening to golden oldies, reading timeless novels, or hearing a wise man's story. 

How will you be known by the next generation?  What legacy are you leaving?  What will people say about who you are, what you did, what faith you shared? 

Dear God, like the classics from long ago, let my life unfold as its own unique classic in your kingdom.  Amen.