April 20, 2014

The Resurrection of the Lord
The Mass of Easter Sunday

Peter proceeded to speak and said:
“You know what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.
We are witnesses of all that he did
both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem.
They put him to death by hanging him on a tree.
This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible,
not to all the people, but to us,
the witnesses chosen by God in advance,
who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
He commissioned us to preach to the people
and testify that he is the one appointed by God
as judge of the living and the dead.
To him all the prophets bear witness,
that everyone who believes in him
will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

R/ (24) This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
R/ This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
“The right hand of the LORD has struck with power;
the right hand of the LORD is exalted.
I shall not die, but live,
and declare the works of the LORD.”
R/ This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
R/ This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R/ Alleluia.

reading 2 Col 3:1-4

Brothers and sisters:
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.

or 1 Cor 5:6b-8

Brothers and sisters:
Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough?
Clear out the old yeast,
so that you may become a fresh batch of dough,
inasmuch as you are unleavened.
For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed.
Therefore, let us celebrate the feast,
not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness,
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Sequence - Victimæ Paschali Laudes

Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems;
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.

Gospel Jn 20:1-9

On the first day of the week,
Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don’t know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead.

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for:April 20, 2014
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: O God, who on this day, through your Only Begotten Son, have conquered death and unlocked for us the path to eternity, grant, we pray, that we who keep the solemnity of the Lord's Resurrection may, through the renewal brought by your Spirit, rise up in the light of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

RECIPES

o Agnello al Forno (Roast Suckling Lamb)

o Asparagi alla Milanese (Milan Asparagus)

o Babka I (Polish Easter Bread)

o Babka II (Polish Easter Bread)

o Babka Osterbrot (Easter Bread)

o Korolevskaja Paska (King's Easter Pudding)

o Koulitchy (Russian Sweet Easter Bread)

o Kulich (Russian Sweet Easter Bread)

o Lambropsomo (Greek Easter Bread)

o Paasbrod (Dutch Easter Bread)

o Pani di Pasqua all' Uovo (Italian Easter Egg Braid)

o Paska Serna Pechena (Ukrainian Baked Easter Cheese)

o Paska Serna Svizha (Ukrainian Fresh Easter Cheese)

o Paskha (Ukrainian Easter Bread)

o Salata de Cartofi (Greek Potato and Olive Salad)

o Sucharki Papieskie (Polish Papal Wafers)

o Torta di Ricotta (Italian Easter Cheese Cake)

o Zupa Wielkanocna (Polish Easter Soup)

o Artichokes Italian Style

o Beranek

o Carciofi Arrostiti

o Cider-Baked Ham Slices

o Cold Glazed Baked Ham

o Dolmas

o Easter Cake

o Easter Dinner Menus

o Easter Soup with Leftover Lamb

o Easter Sunday Brunch Menu

o Eggs Benedict

o Fruit Tapioca Parfait

o Greek Easter Lamb

o Hard-Cooked Egg Cookies

o Hollandaise Sauce

o Italian Easter Baskets

o Pink and White Meringue Torte

o Potatoes and Peas in Cream

o Raisin Bread

o Roast Leg of Spring Lamb

o Arnaki Gemisto (Stuffed Easter Lamb)

o Babka (Polish Easter Bread)

o Babovka (Czechoslovakian Easter Bread)

o Brodetto Pasquale (Italian Easter Broth)

o Cassata alla Siciliana (Easter Chocolate Cake)

o Colomba Pasquale (Italian Easter Dove)

o Funghi alla Parmigiana (Mushrooms Parmesan)

o Kaesekuchen (Cheese Cake)

o Kolace (Bohemian Filled Buns)

o Koulich (Quick Russian Coffee Cake)

o Koulich (Russian Sweet Easter Bread)

o Saldusis Suris (Lithuanian Easter Cheese)

o Easter Baba (Polish Easter Coffee Cake)

o Easter Biscuits

o Easter Egg Nests

o Easter Glazed Ham with Fruit

o Easter Ham

o Easter Lamb

o Easter Spice Ring

o Eternity Cakes or Easter Wreath Cookies

o German Easter Sweet Bread

o Italian Easter Bread Eggs

o Lamb Cake

o Leg of Lamb

o Paska (Ukrainian Easter Bread)

o Paskha (a Russian Easter dessert)

o Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake

o Whole Baby Lamb

ACTIVITIES

o A Jonas (Jonah) Project

o Baptismal Candles

o Blessing of the Easter Foods

o Creating a Lumen Christi (Light of Christ)

o Cross of Victory

o Easter Customs of the Russian Germans

o Easter Egg Symbolism

o Easter Eggs Decorations

o Easter Eggs! song

o Easter Food Symbolism

o Easter Marian Hymn: Rejoice, O Rejoice, Heavenly Queen

o Easter Song: Three Women at Break of Day

o Easter Standard

o Easter Sunday Activities in the Home

o Easter Sunday in the Home

o Easter Vigil

o Easter: Solemnity of Solemnities

o Family and Friends of Jesus Scrapbook Album

o Holy Saturday and Easter in the Home

o Home Altar Hangings

o Home Easter Vigil

o Importance of Easter Customs

o Jonas and Holy Week

o Liturgy of Easter Sunday and the Octave of Easter

o Mary Garden

o New Clothes for Easter

o Paschal Candle as a Centerpiece

o Symbolism of the Easter Eggs

o Triptych

o Window Transparencies

o Wreath of Victory

o Easter Breakfast

PRAYERS

o Blessing of Sprouting Seed, Rogation Days

o Polish Easter Blessing

o Blessing of the Home with Easter Water

o Easter Week Table Blessing

o Book of Blessings: Blessing of Homes During the Christmas and Easter Seasons

o Book of Blessings: Blessing of Food for the First Meal of Easter

o Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Easter Season (2nd Plan)

o Litany of the Saints

o Easter Water

o Easter Blessing in the Home

o Blessing of Easter Food

o Easter Prayers

o Prayer Cards for Easter Grace at Meals

o Easter Prayers (for the Octave of Easter)

o Divine Mercy Novena

o Annunciation Novena

o Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Easter Week (1st Plan)

o Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Easter (1st Plan)

o Renewal of Baptismal Promises

o Novena for Easter

o Exsultet (Easter Proclamation)

o Victimae Paschali: The Easter Sequence

· Easter: April 20th

· Easter Sunday

Old Calendar: Easter Sunday ; Other Titles: Feast of the Resurrection, Pascha

Easter is the feast of feasts, the unalloyed joy and gladness of all Christians.

In the very center of the Mass, the great prayer of thanksgiving, from the first words of the Preface, expresses the unrivalled motive for this joy: if it is right to praise You, Lord, at all times, how much more so should we not glorify You on this day when Christ our Passover was sacrificed, for He is the true Lamb who took away the sins of the world, who by His Death destroyed our death and by His Resurrection restored our life. Easter means, then, Redemption obtained — sin destroyed, death overcome, divine life brought back to us, the resurrection of our body which is promised immortality. With such a certitude, we should banish all trace of sadness.

Haec dies quam fecit Dominus: "This is the day which the Lord has made." Throughout the octave we shall sing of the unequalled joy which throws open eternity to us. Every Sunday will furnish a reminder of it, and from Sunday to Sunday, from year to year, the Easters of this earth will lead us to that blessed day on which Christ has promised that He will come again with glory to take us with Him into the kingdom of His Father.

Click here for commentary on the readings in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

Stational Church

Meditation - He is Risen!

"I rose up and am still with Thee." After His labors and His humiliations, Christ finds rest with His Father. "I am still with Thee." This is perfect beatitude. Through His cross He entered into the possession of eternal glory. Christ has gained the crown of victory; through Christ men also win their crowns of victory. Humanity was under a curse and subject to the wrath of God. Now that they have risen with Christ, their guilt has been destroyed. "I rose up and am still with Thee." The liturgy places these words in the mouth of the Church that she may pray them with Christ.

"The earth trembled and was still when God arose in judgment." The resurrection of Christ is the judgment and condemnation of those who have turned away from God. This judgment was prefigured by the angel who passed through the land of Egypt destroying the first-born of the Egyptians. The Israelites marked the doors of their houses with the blood of the paschal lamb. We are the new Israel, and "Christ our Pasch is sacrificed." We mark ourselves with His blood, which we enjoy in the Holy Eucharist. We have been pardoned, we are saved, we shall live.

"He is risen." The resurrection of Christ is a pledge of our own resurrection. It is the foundation upon which our faith rests. It is the guarantee of our redemption and God's assurance that our sins are forgiven and that we are called to eternal life. "This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us be glad and rejoice therein. Give praise to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Alleluia." "Christ our Pasch is sacrificed. . . . The Lamb redeems the sheep. Christ, the innocent One, hath reconciled sinners to the Father." — Excerpted from The Light of the World by Benedict Baur, O.S.B.

The Station is at St. Mary Major, the principal church of all those that are dedicated to the Mother of God in the holy city. This is to associate with the Paschal solemnity the memory of her, who, more than all other creatures, had merited its joys, not only because of the exceptional share she had had in all the sufferings of Jesus, but also because of the unshaken faith wherewith, during those long and cruel hours of his lying in the tomb, she had awaited his Resurrection.

The Word Among Us

Meditation: John 20:1-9

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. (John 20:1)

It’s Easter Sunday. Today, we celebrate the fact that more than two thousand years ago, Jesus’ resurrection changed everything. Sin was defeated. Satan was vanquished. Death was swallowed up by life. But Easter Sunday is not just history. It’s a present reality that is still changing everything!

Today, an age of grace is proclaimed. Jesus reigns victorious from the highest heavens. He commissions us to spend our lives ushering the graces of heaven down to earth, to our families, neighbors, friends, and even to strangers and enemies. And in this commission he calls you not his servant but his friend.

Today, a river of life flows. Jesus has become a life-giving spirit, pouring out the Holy Spirit onto the whole world. From this spring of resurrection power, a mighty river is cascading. It’s the millions upon millions of lives who have experienced the power of God in conversion. Your life has been swept up, too.

How can we even begin to honor God for what he has done for us today? We can start by following the footsteps of the disciples in today’s Gospel. So, like Mary Magdalene, seek out his presence as your first priority. Then, keep running to him throughout the day in prayer—just as Peter and John sprinted to the tomb. Go ahead. Peer into his empty grave, as they did, and see that Jesus isn’t dead. He’s alive! See for yourself that he has been moving in your life all these years, making you a new creation.

Imagine heaven’s celebration today. See Jesus enthroned there, surrounded by the praise of the saints and angels. Now see him enthroned in your heart. Reflect on all that today—Easter Sunday—has meant for you.

And believe.

“Lord Jesus, you are alive!”

Acts 10:34, 37-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Colossians 3:1-4

Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion

(Acts 10:34,37-43; Psalm 118:1-216-17,22-23; Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; John 20:1-9)

1. On Easter Sunday, after 40 days of reflection on the passion and death of Jesus Christ, we now celebrate the resurrection of the Lord. But more than that, we celebrate our own resurrection to new life in Jesus, through our faith and our Baptism. In what way have you experienced the new life that Jesus came to give you through his death and resurrection?

2. In the first reading from Acts, Peter says that, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38). Do you believe that through faith and Baptism, you also have been anointed with the Holy Spirit and power? Why or why not? If you do believe this, what keeps you from doing the same kinds of works as Jesus did? Also, what keeps you from telling others that “everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43).

3. The responsorial psalm also speaks of the power of the Lord, “The right hand of the Lord has struck with power; the right hand of the Lord is exalted” (Psalm 118:16). The Psalm goes on to say, “I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord” (118:17). Do you believe the Lord has given you the power to declare the works of the Lord to others? Why or why not? Share a time when sharing the Gospel with someone had a positive impact on their life?

4. In the second reading from Colossians, we hear this startling proclamation, “you were raised with Christ” (Colossians 3:1). What do you think these words mean? What about the following words, “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory” (3:3-4). How can you allow the truth of these words to impact how you live out your day, especially when faced with temptations or difficult circumstances?

5. The Gospel reading says that John the apostle “believed” when he saw the burial clothes, even though he “did not yet understand the Scriptures that he had to rise from the dead” (John 20:9). Why do you think John was able to believe without any real understanding of the resurrection of Christ? How would you describe your own belief in the resurrection of Christ? How does your “belief” make a difference in your every day life? How much should it?

6. The meditation challenges us with this question regarding the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday: “How can we even begin to honor God for what he has done for us today?” How would you answer this question?

7. Take some time now and pray for a greater revelation of what it means that “Jesus is Risen.” Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.

A Christian Pilgrim

YOUR EMPTY TOMB [ MATTHEW 28:1-10] – EASTER SUNDAY, 20 APRIL 2014

EASTER is the celebration of what Pope Paul VI described as “the unique and sensational event on which the whole of human history turns.”

Scripture has no account of the actual happening of the resurrection of Jesus. We are told of the discovery of the empty tomb and of the appearance of the risen Lord to various disciples. By means of these appearances the disciples are led into making the huge step of faith from following the man, Jesus of Nazareth, to believing that He was the Son of God who triumphed over death.

It was as if somebody who could walk suddenly found the ability to fly. Resurrection life is as much (and more) above ordinary, earthly life as flying is above walking. Faith is such a leap forward from the human level of life to participation in divine life. (Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFMCap.)

The tomb is empty: Jesus Christ is risen: and the story of humanity will never be the same again.

There is a very puzzling line in the old translation of the Apostles’ Creed” “He descended into hell.” It is a phrase that locates Jesus on that Sabbath between the dying and the rising.

The word “hell” in this instance is not a reference to the state of eternal damnation. The originally meant a hiding place. Later it acquired a more precise application to the hidden abode of the dead. The phrase in the creed expresses the belief that Jesus liberated the souls of the just who had died before His time.

In an apocalyptic reflection on the death of Jesus, Matthew’s Gospel states: “The rocks were split; the tombs opened and the bodies of many holy men rose from the dead, and these, after His resurrection, came out of the tombs, entered the Holy City and appeared to a number of people” (Matthew 27:52-53).

The notion of Jesus opening up he hiding places of the dead is relevant to all the caves of darkness where we hid in pain from the fullness of light. In His dying He destroyed our death: by His wounds He heals our wounds: by His lying in the tomb He has visited all our private tombs.

We descend into the tomb of darkness whenever the reality of life is too painful for us to endure. The quality of our living is diminished, we are emotionally crippled and mentally stagnated.

Is your cave of darkness due to the pain of bereavement? Then reflect on the fullness of life released for us by the victory of Jesus. And remember how He experienced the pain of family farewell as His mother’s heart was pierced by the sword of sorrow.

Is your dark cave is due to experiences of misunderstanding, misrepresentation, or malicious conspiracy, just remember that Jesus was in there before you. He was the victim of religious envy, a political pawn and He was betrayed by one who had shared the covenant meal with Him.

His suffering was a physical nature in the hundred inventions of cruelty unleashed upon Him: He suffered intense mental anguish: and He even visited the dark realm of spiritual suffering.

He was condemned in court to hang with convicted criminals, mocked in ungrateful tribute to His works of healing, and stripped bare of the very garments of human dignity. Is there any form of private hell He did not visit?

Whatever your tomb, your hiding place, your private hell, come out of it this Easter day. In the light and power of the risen Christ, leave behind you an empty tomb.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, what a beautiful life you have given me! Let me sing of the glorious hope that comes from your resurrection. And, by the power of Your resurrection, I have left behind my empty tomb. With each day – but especially today – make my joy a gift to you, a grateful acknowledgement of the love You have for me. Amen.

Note: Taken [except for the prayer] from Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFMCap., The Good News of Matthew’s Year, Dublin, Ireland: Cathedral Books/The Columbia Press, 1989 (1992 reprinting), pages 81-84.

Sunday Scripture Study

Easter Sunday - Cycle A

April 20, 2014

Click here for USCCB readings

Opening Prayer

First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Psalm: 118:1-2,16-17,22-23

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4

Gospel Reading: John 20:1-9

On the third day after Jesus’ death on the cross Mary Magdalene, accompanied by some other women (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 23:55—24:1), come to the tomb fully expecting to find Jesus’ body. Imagine her reaction when she finds the heavy stone rolled back and the body gone! Her first thought was to run to tell Peter, the leader of the remaining apostles.

Although Peter at first doubted her story (Luke 24:11), he and “the other apostle” (by tradition, John), also run to the tomb. They find the burial cloths in such a state that made it clear that the body had not been stolen (verses 6-7). At this point, they still could not grasp that Jesus had risen, as he predicted he would. Later, however, they would have no doubt.

That Jesus rose from the dead is the most well-attested miracle in Scripture. The Old Testament foretold it; Jesus predicted it on more than one occasion; it was confirmed by his several appearances (John 20:19—21:1; Acts 1:3; Luke 24:13-35; 1 Corinthian 15:3-8). It was even verified by the Roman soldiers guarding his tomb ((Matthew 28:11-15)! Let us rejoice today that Jesus has defeated sin and death—Alleluia! He is risen indeed!

QUESTIONS:

In the 1st Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter is speaking to the first Gentile (non-Jewish) converts to Christianity. What was their response to his message that the Jesus they had heard something about had been raised from the dead (see Acts 10:44-49)? What should our reaction be?

According to St. Paul in the 2nd Reading, what should we be preoccupied with (verse 2)? Why? What has happened to us (verse 1, 3)? What will happen to us (verse 4)?

Put yourself in the place of Mary. What is your emotional state in the days following the crucifixion? Why do you go to the tomb so early? How do you react to the empty tomb?

According to the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, how long was Jesus dead and his body in the tomb (John 2:18-22; Acts 10:40; CCC 994)? What did Jesus do for that time while in the tomb (1 Peter 3:19, 4:6; CCC 631-33)?

What had the disciples been told in advance about Jesus rising from the dead (Matthew 16:21, 27:63)? How do the positions of the linen shroud and the napkin provide corroborating evidence of the Resurrection? What is your proof that Jesus rose from the dead?

How should we respond to the empty tomb? Why did John preach the message (John 19:35,17:20; 1 John 5:13)? When a loved one dies or life seems cruel or a drudgery, how does the Resurrection of Jesus help you deal with your pain?

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 2174, 515, 631-658

It is no great thing to believe that Christ died; for this is something that is also believed by pagans and Jews and [even] by all the wicked: everyone believes that He died. The Christians' faith is in Christ's Resurrection; that is what we hold to be a great thing--to believe that He rose –St Augustine

This is Eternal Life?

Pastor’s Column

Easter Sunday 2014

“For as the Father has life in himself, so he has given to the Son also that he might have life in himself.” John 5:26

Science fiction has had a long fascination with the idea of being able to transfer one’s consciousness, or the essence of who we are, into some kind of machine or computer. For example, I remember an old Star Trek episode that explored this possibility and the inherent drawbacks in the plot line. So it was with more than a little fascination that I ran across an article in this month’s Popular Science that highlighted research with the goal of ultimately doing just this very thing…mapping the brain in such a way as to transfer its processes to a machine and thus live forever!

Would you be willing to try this when your body wears out? Of course, one is naturally skeptical that this kind of thing could ever capture the essence of our humanity, but what kind of immorality would this bring, anyway? Is this the best we can hope to do as human beings? Such an existence, even if it were possible, ultimately sounds more like purgatory than paradise.

Christians have had another, more practical answer to the pressing issue of our mortality for almost 2000 years. Notice what Jesus says in John’s gospel: Jesus has life in himself. Our life is borrowed.

Our lives are by their very nature finite and limited. We began our existence in a moment of time, our conception, our life borrowed from our parents. Our bodies, made of dust, must one day return to the earth. In fact, our existence comes from God!

Our modern technology seeks to create and manipulate life, when in fact it cannot even sustain it. Our life is borrowed from God, whereas Jesus, as the Son of God, is life itself. He doesn’t borrow life from anyone: he is life. The Lord has existence within him and offers this eternal existence to us who believe in him. This is the very essence of our faith!

Even if it were possible to live forever on earth as some kind of android/computer consciousness, there would come a time, after eons of earthly existence, when we would have seen and done everything. What kind of world would this be if tyrants never died and the rich just kept getting richer and never had to pass it along?

Nothing on earth satisfies us in the end because God put the essence of eternity in our hearts, whether we realize it or not. This is why we are driven to try to find life in other parts of the universe and to even try to build a machine that would theoretically enable us to live forever on earth.

A life such as this, but without God, can never ultimately satisfy the human heart. Instead, we put our hope in Jesus Christ raised from the dead: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, who you have sent.” (John 17:3)

Father Gary

Easter -- God's Exclamation Point!

He is risen indeed!

The Word for Easter Sunday: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042014.cfm

Good writers know that when composing a text the use of an exclamation point should be rare. The purpose of the exclamation point is to basically express a shout at the end of a statement. You want to insist on your point so the exclamation point in writing makes sure the reader knows how you feel.

Still, have you ever received an e-mail or a text on your phone filled with capital letters and exclamation points? Obviously the other person is trying to make a point, express their anger or share their overwhelming joy about something. If we know they’re shouting at us the temptation is to just press delete. We want to respond – calm down!

However, Easter Sunday we might say is God’s exclamation point. The resurrection of Jesus was God’s answer to all that Jesus did and said; to his entire mission and purpose on this earth. It is the ultimate proof that Jesus is the Son of the living God and that all he said and did is true. He is, as we heard at the Easter Vigil and which the tall candle represents, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all things.

As obedient son of the eternal Father Jesus carried out his mission, the purpose for which he was sent, and presented to all humanity a new vision of what God is like and what he offers to humankind: that all are welcome into his family, that God forgives before we even ask for it like the story of the prodigal Son, that mercy not punishment is God’s first choice, and so we have an invitation to enter into a new relationship with Christ Jesus himself as the one who gathers us together and feeds us with word and sacrament. So, the Easter season is filled with 50 days of celebration, 50 exclamation points that all shout with joy the truth of the risen Christ. Yet, only by faith can any of us come to know this truth with certainty.

A well-known phrase put it like this: “For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible; for those who do believe, no explanation is necessary.” So the ultimate question for all of us each Easter is – do I believe this?

The Scriptures and Christian history reveal to us signs that brought others to faith. It began with an empty tomb and left those who found it with three possible choices: either Jesus’ body was indeed stolen, or he wasn’t really dead on the cross, or he is truly raised as he said. An empty tomb alone, though, is not the final proof. Something more was needed.

The eye witnesses of Mary Magdalene, Peter, John, Thomas, the other Apostles and others we hear from these next fifty days who relate experiences with the risen Lord too fantastic to either have been made up by delusional people or to be true are experiences that convict us in our faith. Both the word of God, history, and the lives of so many before us remind us that the risen Lord is not a fable or myth but he is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all human history. He is the divine exclamation point that both ends and begins something fresh for us.

In the sacraments of the Church, Christ becomes our healer, our teacher, our food and our word in the life of the Church and our personal life of faith. The birth of new Christians among us who continue to come to the Sacraments of life – Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist where he calls us to lives of service after his example and he creates his family the Church to be his own body in the world.

We hear at the end of our Eucharistic encounter with the risen Lord to: “Go and share the Gospel of the Lord.” In other words, "Go and fill the world with exclamation points!!!"

Victimæ Paschali laudes

Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems;
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia

Vultus Christi

Salve, Festa Dies

Sunday, 20 April 2014 10:07

It is the custom in some monasteries to go round the cloister, singing the Salve, Festa Dies, in procession before Lauds on Easter morning. Many years ago I awoke on Easter morning with the readings of the Great Paschal Vigil still fresh in my heart, and composed a strophe for each one, adapted to the lilting chant melody of the Salve, Festa Dies. The incomparable refrain is sung in Latin and repeated after each one of the strophes.

The Dominicans had, in various houses of their Order, the practice of carrying the Blessed Sacrament in this Easter morning procession. We read in the book for the Sacred Triduum of the Order of Preachers: In diluculo festi Resurrectionis Domini, in pluribus Conventibus, immediate post Matutinas, in memoriam tanti beneficii, fit Processio, et deportatur sanctissimum Eucharistiae Sacramentum per claustrum, sicit in die Corporis Christi, cum magna solemnitate. Wonderful!

Salve, Festa Dies
R. Salve festa dies toto venerabilis aevo
Qua Deus infernum vicit et astra tenet.

Let the whole cosmos dance in praise,
The skies, the oceans, mountains, hills and plains,
Sun and moon and stars in chorus ranged,
Praise Christ now risen from the dead!

Old Adam stirs from ancient sleep,
And Mother Eve stands up to see the sight,
Christ extends his hand to set them free,
And Hades’ caverns bathe in light!

To Abraham the Guest returns
Who long ago was welcomed ‘neath the tree;
Sarah’s joy spills over once again
For Christ is risen from the dead!

He is the First-Born from the dead,
The Lamb by Isaac in the thicket seen
The Lamb once slain upon the mount
The living Shepherd of the sheep!

Now Moses sees him face to face,
The Son called out of Egypt’s narrow place;
The Red Sea crossed, the broad place gained
In Christ now risen from the dead!

The shroud and napkin in the tomb
Love’s face concealed through Sabbath tears and gloom;
The dawn reveals Love’s face in light
And every fear is put to flight.

Come to the waters, all who thirst,
The wellspring flows to wash away the curse;
The Seed, the Sower, and the Bread
Is Christ now risen from the dead!

Baruch his oracle declaims:
With you is wisdom, strength, and length of days;
You send forth light and quick it goes;
You name the stars, for you they glow.

Now hearts of stone are turned to flesh,
The hard and frozen melt beneath his Breath;
The torrent rushes sweet and fresh
For Christ is risen from the dead!

It is the first day of the week;
The bright and deathless Eighth Day let us keep!
Angelic whiteness fill our eyes,
And birdsong tells it to the skies.

Myrrh-bearing women, turn around;
The One you seek by you waits to be found.
Be not afraid, do as I said,
For Christ is risen from the dead.

Let chants of glory roll like waves;
For Christ has led to freedom Egypt’s slaves;
The Father’s thirst at last is quenched,
The Spirit’s dew the Church has drenched.

Regnum Christi

Empty Tomb, Expectant Heart

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Easter Sunday

Father Robert Presutti, LC

John 20:1-9

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran off to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him." So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter, and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down to look in and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not lying with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he had to rise from the dead.

Introductory Prayer: Lord, you are the source of all life because you are life itself. Your resurrection gives me the hope of being raised from the dead to rejoice with you forever in heaven. Thank you for your presence in my life. I love you, and I want to follow after you with all my heart. Be with me now, and inspire my prayer.

Petition: Lord Jesus, grant me the joy of seeing my hopes constantly kindled by your power over sin and death. May the strength of your resurrection overcome the weaknesses of my human nature.

1. Confusing Signs: Without faith, realities that should inspire hope and expectation only cause confusion. Jesus’ empty tomb is the sign of the most complete victory, the most extreme love, and the most powerful presence. Mary Magdalene, Peter and John all see the empty tomb. But their limited faith needs time to grow and completely accept the great gift that is offered to them. In approaching the mystery of God, I must stoke up my faith. Otherwise, what should cause hope and courage will only wind up becoming a stumbling block for me. Only a sincere and generous faith in Christ enables me to take the circumstances of life in hope, confidence and security.

2. Running to the Experience of Faith: Running is an integral part of this Gospel. Mary Magdalene runs. Peter runs, and John outruns Peter. Love for the Lord creates a sense of urgency. What they saw at the tomb could have been seen without running at all. But promptness is a sign of love for the Lord. If I wish to experience Christ and the power of his resurrection, I need to have a sense of urgency in my relationship with the Lord. I must strive to meet him and give myself to him in my here and now. I can’t wait for the “ideal” moment. If I don´t give myself to Christ now, under the present conditions, there is no reason to think I ever will.

3. Faith Begins with the Experience of the Senses, but Does Not End There: John, Peter and Mary Magdalene will eventually have an unshakeable conviction in the Resurrection, and become messengers of the Resurrection. But they first need to see the empty tomb and pick up the wrappings. They would also need to see and touch the risen Christ. All this would cause wonderment, reflection, and eventually a growing realization that would induce faith. God works in the same way in my life. First there are the lived experiences of my life: people I meet, circumstances I face, events that occur… Then my wonderment and reflection on what it all means. Then the slow dawning of faith.

“It is clearly evident that Christ´s resurrection is the greatest Event in the history of salvation, and indeed, we can say in the history of humanity, since it gives definitive meaning to the world. The whole world revolves around the Cross, but only in the resurrection does the Cross reach its full significance of salvific Event. The Cross and Resurrection constitute the one paschal mystery in which the history of the world is centered. Therefore Easter is the Church´s greatest Solemnity. Every year she celebrates and renews this Event, fraught with all the prophecies of the Old Testament, beginning with the "Protoevangelium" of the Redemption, and of all the eschatological hopes and expectations projected towards the "fullness of time", which was realized when the Kingdom of God definitively entered human history and the universal order of salvation” (Blessed John Paul II, General Audience, March 1, 1989).

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, you know how to prepare your disciples to experience your presence deeply and know you intimately. I ask today for a deepening in my faith in your resurrection. Let all the events of my life point me to the truth that you are alive.

Resolution: I will be prompt in meeting the duties and responsibilities of today, in the truth of the risen Christ

Reading the Bible in the Dark

Dr. Mark Giszczak

April 20, 2014
Easter Vigil
Seven OT Readings: Gen 1:1—2:2; Gen 22:1-18; Exod 14:15—15:1; Isa 54:5-14; Isa 55:1-11; Bar 3:9-15, 3:32—4:4; Ezek 36:16-17a, 18-28.

When my friend went to the Easter Vigil for the first time and started hearing the many readings, he thought for a moment that they were going to read the whole Bible! At Easter, we might expect a lot of New Testament texts, but instead the Church presents us with seven Old Testament readings and eight responsorial psalms. That’s 15 Old Testament texts in one sitting—talk about an Old Testament extravaganza! Interestingly, on Easter morning, zero Old Testament texts are read, except for the super-Alleluia Psalm 118.

Praying and Waiting in the Dark

The Easter Vigil always reminds me of those long car trips my family took when I was young. We would get up before dawn and get on the road so we could make it to our destination by nightfall. At the Easter Vigil, we gather at church in the dark. We wait, watch, hope and pray in the dark. Praying in the dark might seem kind of strange, and reading tons of the Old Testament in the dark might feel even stranger. But, all the waiting, watching, and hoping has a purpose, a direction, a fulfillment. The lengthy and numerous Old Testament readings prepare us and teach us. They re-tell the story of salvation so as to direct our minds toward its ultimate goal, its consummation in the resurrection of Christ. The liturgy itself offers a rhythm of reading, psalm, prayer, then reading, psalm prayer, so we can enter into the cadence of waiting and allow our hearts to slowly swell in preparation for the resurrection. While we listen, we feel the last moments of fasting and penance giving way to the glorious celebration of Easter.

Salvation’s Story

If we have been listening attentively to the Old Testament readings throughout Lent, we have already encountered the story: the Fall, Abraham, the Exodus, the kingship of David, the resurrection future and the Suffering Servant. But now the Church presents to us the resurrection logic of the universe. By starting with the creation account of Genesis 1, the Lectionary points out that all of creation, all of reality was pointing toward this moment, that the destiny of the universe is somehow tied up in Jesus’ resurrection. The readings for the vigil pick up the story and retell it in its grandest dimensions: God’s creation of everything, the near-sacrifice of Isaac, the deliverance of the people of Israel from Egypt, the prophet Isaiah’s announcement of God’s merciful recall of his people from exile, and Ezekiel’s proclamation of cleansing.

Interpreting the Story

Perhaps the best way to say it is that throughout Lent, we have heard the story of salvation, but now at the grandest of feasts, in the darkest of hours, we finally receive the interpretation of the story. All the threads are brought together as the Church invites us to read all of these texts side-by-side. The power of the resurrection is magnified and its significance unveiled by filling in the backstory and explaining its dynamics. While we could have been discouraged by the story of the Old Testament, the fall of Adam and Eve and the many failures of God’s people, now we are given the definitive interpretation that all of these stories were leading up to: God created the universe in such a way that it would point us back to himself. Sin loses. Love wins. Easter was in his mind from the first moment of creation.

Re-Reading the Old Testament in Light of Christ

Jesus’ resurrection fulfills the story, offers redemption, brings us back from the exile of sin. The near-sacrifice of Isaac in Genesis 22 only makes sense in light of Christ. When Ezekiel prophesies, “I will take you away from among the nations, gather you from foreign lands, and bring you back to your own land” (Ezek 36:24), he means ultimately that God is bringing us back from the land of sin to live in his presence. When Baruch says of Wisdom, “all who cling to her will live” (Bar 4:1), he is pointing to Jesus. When Isaiah proclaims, “All you who are thirsty, come to the water!” (Isa 55:1), he is inviting us to the baptismal font, which Jesus offers to us. The Psalms that we sing in between the readings repeatedly use water imagery, which points to the cleansing waters of Baptism, in which the catechumens are about to be dunked. The meaning of the Exodus parting of the sea only finds fulfillment in the waters of salvation which Christ offers.

The story of salvation and its profound Easter interpretation reminds us of who God is, how he works, and how he created the universe so that we could share in his divine life. The plan of salvation was clear in his mind from the beginning. Through his resurrection on Easter morning, Jesus definitively conquers death and offers us eternal life. He is the “first fruits” (1 Cor 15:20) from the dead and invites us to share in his victory. That is why we can wait in the dark and pray in hope, for the Dawn is great indeed.

Scripture Speaks: Make Way for Christ

Gayle Somers

Today’s Gospel describes an absence that confounds the disciples, preparing them for the Presence their hearts desire.

Gospel (Read Jn 20:1-9)

On Palm Sunday, the narrative of our Lord’s Passion ended with these words: “So they [the chief priests and Pharisees] went and secured the tomb by fixing a seal to the stone and setting the guard” (Mt 27:66). Jesus’ dead Body had been quickly prepared for burial (because the Sabbath sundown approached), and He was laid in the fresh tomb of a rich man. Then, for His followers, there was silence and utter desolation. We can only imagine how much “rest” they got on what must have been the longest Sabbath day of their lives.

Today, St. John tells us, “On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark” (Jn 20:1). Now that the Sabbath was over, she was coming to finish the burial anointing. Why did she arrive so early, before dawn? Anyone who has grieved over the death of a loved one knows the answer to this question. The finality of death, even for those prepared for its arrival, is literally un-believable. We cannot bear the thought of not seeing this dear one again. Mary had the opportunity to be near Jesus once more, to see and touch Him. Even in death, He drew her to Him with an irresistible force.

Mary saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. Shock! We can feel her eagerness to be with Jesus again, yet He was not in the tomb. St. John wants us to see that the followers of Jesus were slow to understand what He had told them many times: He would rise from the dead. Mary believed that someone had taken the Lord and put Him elsewhere. Imagine this for a moment: profound grief was compounded by profound horror. For Mary, the empty tomb was not a source of joy. It was an agonizing twist in what was becoming a nightmare.

Peter and John (“the other disciple whom Jesus loved”) ran to the tomb with Mary’s news. They, too, were drawn to the Lord in this energetic race. John arrived first, but notice his deference to Peter, the Lord’s own appointed leader of the apostles. Once inside, they quickly realized that grave robbers were not responsible for the absence of Jesus. The burial cloths (fine, expensive linen) would never have been left behind by robbers this way. No, something big was underway. St. John tells us that when he entered the tomb and saw the burial cloths, “…he believed” (Jn 20:8). What did he believe? Only that Jesus was really gone from the tomb—itself a great mystery. He goes on to make that clear: “For they did not yet understand the Scripture that He had to rise from the dead” (Jn 20:9).

So, on Easter Sunday, the Gospel reading leaves us with only clues. How interesting! There is not, as we might expect, the boundless joy of the disciples seeing Jesus alive again. Instead, we spend time with His followers in their longing, anxiety, sadness, and utter confusion. We, of course, know what’s going on, but they don’t as yet. St. John wants us to linger for a spell in the very human reactions to an astounding miracle. He helps us feel deeply the question that boggled the disciples: What has happened to Jesus? It is only by entering fully into this human dilemma that we are truly prepared for the answer: Jesus has conquered Death. The worst thing that has ever happened in human history (men killed the “Author of life,” Acts 3:15) has become the best thing that has ever happened in human history, and man’s history has been changed forever.

Possible response: Lord Jesus, sometimes I am shocked that You don’t seem to be where I expect You. Help me believe that what I feel is Your absence will always lead to Your Presence.

Lord Jesus, what have I heard many times from You and not yet understood?

First Reading (Read Acts 10:34a, 37-43)

If we think about what we have seen of Peter in the readings for Holy Week, this passage from Acts might leave us asking a question: What has happened to Peter? We remember him on Palm Sunday, denying the Lord three times and fleeing when Jesus was crucified. Today’s Gospel tells us that Mary Magdalene had to go fetch Peter with her news, because he and the other apostles were hiding “for fear of the Jews” (Jn 20:19). Yet here we see him boldly preaching the Good News (to the same Jews who had terrified him) that death could not hold Jesus. We see the effects in him of the Resurrection—more clues to its reality. Peter testifies not only to “Jesus of Nazareth,” Who “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), but also to the fact that he “ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead” (Acts 10:41). The commission he and the other apostles received from the Risen Jesus, confirmed by the anointing of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, turned Peter inside out. What a transformation from the befuddlement of the empty tomb! Freed from his cowardice and fear, he wanted the world to know that Jesus is alive and that “everyone who believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins through His Name” (Acts 10:43).

Possible response: Lord, this Easter season, please loosen my tongue to bear witness to Your empty tomb and to the meal we still eat and drink with You in the Mass.

Psalm (Read Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23)

The psalmist announces: “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” Great joy like this might make us wonder about its cause: What has happened to the psalmist? If we read the entire psalm, we see he describes a time of unthinkable reversal in his life, when he was in terrible distress, and his enemies surrounded him “like bees” that “blazed like a fire of thorns” (Ps 118:12). He recounts that he was “pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me” (Ps 118:13). In fact, the LORD’s deliverance sprung him from death: “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the LORD” (Ps 118:17). Yet what really seems to fuel the psalmist’s elation is that “the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Ps 118:22). The psalmist’s enemies had rejected him, but God upset their plans to be rid of him, and, instead, set him like a cornerstone, a rock of solid strength. Now we understand the joy of the psalmist, and why we are using his words to rejoice on Resurrection Sunday. The reversal he experienced from God’s mighty hand ignited his heart to sing God’s praises on the day of his deliverance and victory. His words help us re-live this Day the exquisite joy of Jesus’ victory over sin and death, our most feared enemies. When the meaning of the empty tomb washes over us, we will echo the psalmist’s awe: “By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes!” (Ps 118:23)

Possible response: The psalm is, itself, a response to our other readings. Read it again prayerfully to make it your own.

Second Reading (Read Col 3:1-4)

In his epistle, St. Paul writes a most remarkable exhortation to his Christian friends (and to us): “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth” (Col 3:2). Why should we, earthbound creatures that we are, be seeking what is above? What has happened to us? St. Paul tells us that the death and Resurrection of Jesus, our focal point all during Holy Week, has happened to us, too. In baptism, we died with Christ and rose again with Him into a brand new life. The power that raised Jesus from the dead has seated us with Christ: “Your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:3). What a transformation for us! The empty tomb of the first Easter has reverberated all the way out to us now, in the 21^st century. Its meaning is not only historical but personal. In Christ, we are forgiven our sins, released from death, and destined for glory: “When Christ your life appears, then you will appear with Him in glory” (Col 3:4). Allelulia!

Possible response: Father, forgive me when I try to make life on this earth my only goal. Help me to set my mind on heaven.

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