Easter Reflections and Traditions

As Catholics enter the most holy week of the year, it’s time to reflect, to make amends and continue their Lenten sacrifices.

Growing up in northern Maine, my town did not have a whole lot of religious diversity.  You were either Catholic  or you were more than likely of no religious denomination, there really wasn’t anything in between.  Our faith was strong and kids grew up going to Catholic  elementary school run by nuns who took no flak.  It wasn’t uncommon to be dragged out of class by your ear for being a little “chatty.” (I should know-I couldn’t shut my mouth back then either!)  It was a given that you went to Church every Sunday and every night during the Lenten season.  There were no ifs ands or buts about it.  You were taught to “do unto others as you want done unto you.”  That meant respecting your elders and treating others kindly, never do anything to someone that you wouldn’t want done to you.  Well this past Sunday (Palm Sunday), although I was brought up by this strict Catholic code, I have to admit I was not upholding my end of the deal.  I was disrespectful to my biggest fan…my Mother.  So, for the past two days now, I’ve been reflecting on what kind of person am I?  Am I the best I can be?  Am I mindful of others?  Do I give to those less fortunate? Because as much as we may feel sorry for ourselves and think that our life is difficult, there is always someone out there who has it worse.  Do we remind ourselves of that?  It really doesn’t matter what your religious beliefs are, but only  that we are all being the best human beings we can be. How I was brought up was not only the “Catholic way,” but also  just  the “right way.” 

My Mother and I were discussing who was going to make Easter dinner this year, I mentioned I had a turkey I could make and she said “Easter isn’t  Easter without ham.” So I guess she’s cooking this year. Here at the Chamber, the three of us have our own traditions, while Sue’s children are all grown and living in different states and starting traditions of their own, they still come home when possible.  Amy, who comes from a large polish family, and needs to rent a hall when celebrating the holidays, enjoy the traditional polish delicacies like  kielbasa, pierogies  and babka bread along with other foods to feed at least 50 people!  My Easter holiday is a little more low key.  My  daughter is almost twenty now but I am lucky enough to have her still home and continuing to celebrate holidays with my husband and I and my Mother. 

What are your traditions? What will you do to be the best you can be to yourself and your fellow human beings now and throughout the year?