Carrying the Joy

By Chris Smith

Easter is often treated like a destination, but in reality, it is a launchpad. We spent six weeks fasting, “adding on,” and navigating the Lenten desert. However, if we treat Easter Sunday as a finish line, a reason to simply return to “business as usual” we’ve missed the heart of the journey.

Lent was never intended to be a seasonal self-improvement habit; it was a heart remodel. The sacrifices you made weren’t about testing your willpower; they were about clearing the noise to hear Jesus more clearly and deepening your relationship with Him. Now that we are living in the light of the Resurrection (Alleluia!), our challenge shifts from giving up to growing up in our faith.

True community and lasting change happen when we carry that Lenten transformation into the grit of our everyday lives. Whether you are heading to school, the office, sports practice, or youth group, the mission remains: don’t let the momentum stall. The joy of the Resurrection is a year-round reality. It should fundamentally shift how we treat our families, how we navigate stress, and how we pursue our ultimate purpose that God so graciously gives us.

Jesus didn’t just die to settle a debt; He rose so we could live in a radical newness of life. Let’s keep that fire burning. Whether you are part of EDGE, Revive, or our broader parish family, stay connected. Keep showing up for one another. Let’s continue to grow closer to the One who gave everything for us.