Easter day is behind us, but the Easter season traditionally extends until Pentecost. The inclination, at least for me, is to take your foot off the gas and coast for a while after the heavy reflection that comes with Lent. But the Easter season comes with its own opportunities for examination. It’s supposed to be a time of joy and celebration . . . but what if it doesn’t feel that way for you?
The miracle of the resurrection wasn’t an immediately joyful experience for Jesus’s followers. The guards were afraid. The disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first. Who could forget poor doubting Thomas, forever labelled by his moment of skepticism? Before there was joy, there was confusion and lack of understanding. It was all part of the process.
Spring and Easter are times of transition, and as any parent of a young child will tell you, transitions aren’t always easy. Perhaps you’re not feeling the season of Easter and renewal the way you think you “should.” Or maybe you do! Personally, I finished Holy Week and Easter Day completely exhausted. I’m glad there are still many more weeks for me to settle in and reflect on the resurrection more intentionally.
Examen for the Easter Season
For times of renewal and transition. For those who are seeking new life and hope. For the ones who felt let down by Easter Day for any number of reasons. For the people who have trouble recognizing the risen Christ, and for the ones who want to put your hand into Jesus’s side. For those who feel guilt, fear, joy, relief, and anything in between.
Settle. Shift your mindset toward prayer by settling into the present moment. Notice your weight in the chair, or your feet grounded on the floor. Are you warm or cold? Relaxed or tense? Wherever your body is, settle in. Feel your breath.
Feel. Name your emotions as you think about Jesus’s death and resurrection. Many of us were raised with atonement theologies that led us to feel deep guilt that Jesus “died for our sins”—like it was directly our fault. What emotions are you feeling this Easter season, good or bad? Is there anything you want to tell God about the way you feel?
Transition. In what ways is your life shifting in this season? Notice any areas of discomfort you feel about that. Notice any areas of peace. Tell God honestly how you are approaching this change: with fear, doubt, joy, anticipation? There are no wrong answers here, only noticing.
Life. Notice the physical reminders of life in your day. Perhaps it’s the noise or mess of your kids, the breeze through a window, the slant of sunlight in these lengthening days, the first new buds appearing on a tree. Where did you see life today? What might God be showing you through these signs of life?
Resurrection. Where have you seen the power of resurrection in your own life today? What areas spring forth with the hope of growth and renewal? How can you nurture these seeds of life?
Celebrate. In what ways did you celebrate this spirit of resurrection in your life? If you haven’t celebrated yet, how might you do so tomorrow?
Close your Examen in whatever way feels right to you. Feel free to further explore any questions or emotions this practice brought to the surface for you.
Past Examens
If you gave this Examen a try, I’d love to hear about your experience with it. How are you experiencing the Easter season this year?