Just a reminder for all about the 50 days of Easter – instructions that we are given at Easter:
The fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost are celebrated in joyful exultation as one feast day, or better as one “great Sunday”. These above all others are the days for the singing of the Alleluia. #371, Ceremonial of Bishops.
Yes, we’re still singing Alleluias and celebrating the Resurrection! Yes, our music is still reflecting the Easter season and the Gospel. This week we hear about Christ giving the ‘new commandment: love one another’. Easy. We’ve got this. Right?
On a different note, have you noticed something unusual about the First Readings during Mass in this Easter Season that is different than the rest of the liturgical year? Normally, the First Reading is always taken from the Old Testament, and the Second Reading is taken from the New Testament. (Of course, the Gospel Reading is always taken from one of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). During the Easter season, the First Reading is always from the Acts of the Apostles. During this season, we get to hear about what the Apostles did immediately after Christ’s death and Resurrection. We hear how they lived their daily lives, sharing their possessions, how they went out and preached the Good News, and how they started to explain the teachings of Christ in light of the Resurrection. They are starting to build up the Kingdom of God – which we continue on even today. How are you doing that in your life? Have you reached out to a friend or neighbor who is no longer practicing their faith? If not, try to do that this week, and in the meantime, pray for them!