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St. George Maronite
Catholic Church |
SEASON OF RESURRECTION
Liturgical Notes:
Today the Church and her children rejoice because our Lord and Savior has risen from the dead. The resurrection of the Lord is the central event of our salvation, the one that gives meaning to who we are and what we do. Every celebration of the Eucharist and the other mysteries refers to it as the source of inspiration and meaning.
The resurrection is the feast of feasts, the queen of all feasts. Originally, the Church celebrated only one feast, the resurrection itself, which was recalled and renewed each Sunday at the celebration of the Divine Mysteries. Soon, however, it began to recall the Passover of the Lord and his victorious resurrection in a special way once a year, in addition to the weekly commemoration of the resurrection. Eventually this annual celebration of the Lord's resurrection was prepared for by a season of prayer, fasting and penance -- Lent, and the feast itself was extended for fifty days.
The Church, thus, now celebrates the resurrection of the Lord for a week of weeks (fifty days): from the Sunday of the Resurrection to Pentecost Sunday (the fiftieth day).
Today's feast is one of joy and peace:
The joy and peace that flows from the Lord's resurrection are expressed today by the rite of peace which follows the gospel in the Divine Mysteries. The cross is removed from the tomb where it has rested since Great Friday and is draped in white. It is carried through the Church accompanied by hymns of praise and joy. The priest solemnly blesses the congregation with the glorious cross and then presents it to them that they might adore it.
By his living cross Christ has saved us from going astray and given us a way to heaven. Through the cross -- peace and harmony reign among God's people, and we are led to perfection.
