Holy Saturday - A Brief Synopsis of the Easter Vigil

Holy Saturday is the day we commemorate Jesus in the tomb. He was crucified and buried on Good Friday, and Christians all over the world commemorate in slience the awaiting of Easter Sunday and the Resurrection of our Lord, victorious over death! 

Traditionally, there is no Mass on this day. The morning starts with Tenebrae. Tenebrae is part of the Triduum, celebrated on the three days prior to Easter Sunday (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday) and confessions can be scheduled throughout the day, and while there is no Mass, there can be a celebration of Holy Communion with pre-consecrated hosts from Holy Thursday. The word tenebrae comes from the Latin meaning of "darkness" or "shadows" -  as each day of the Triduum, the lights (candles) in the church are gradually extinguished up to the Tenebrae of Holy Saturday, when ALL lights/candles are put out - the church is left in darkness and silence as we wait. 

So what does happen on Holy Saturday? One of the most meaning-packed liturgies of the entire year! Easter Vigil! The vigil traditionally starts at 10 PM local time, and it takes about 2 hours to complete - then - precisely at midnight begins the First Mass of Easter!

The first vigil I ever attended was in the traditional Latin, or extraordinary rite. To be honest, that first time I was not prepared for what was in store for me. First, being a relatively new convert to the Catholic Faith, I did not know all the history and meanings behind all the readings of the vigil. Second, not being really prepared, I got extremely tired before the First Mass of Easter began - but when it did, I was still amazed! The next time I went, I rested up, was a bit more aware of what was going on and was able to follow the readings much more and I was utterly awed by the experience! Then, when the bells began ringing and the statues were unveiled - the experience of the Resurrection explodes throughout the church. The long awaited Easter is HERE and Lent is over! 

In the years after Vatican II the Easter Vigil in the ordinary rite is traditionally celebrated approximately one hour after sunset. This is, in part, aligned with the Jewish celebration of Shabbat (Sabbath) as the traditional Jewish day begins at sunset and ends sunset the following day - hence the need to have Jesus buried quickly on Friday because once Shabbat begins, no work is to be performed. Personally, though similarly done (it is much shorter in the Novus Ordo), from our European perspective of the day starting at midnight, for this writer, at least, having it "early" minimizes some of the mystique of bringing in Easter Sunday ON Sunday in the first moments of Easter. If you have not experienced the Easter Vigil in the Traditional Latin (extraordinary) Rite - I highly recommend it!

What to do to prepare for Easter Vigil

1) Be rested! The celebration is long, even in the Novus Ordo, as there is a LOT packed into the readings.

2) Be ready for what is being read! The Vigil begins in the Old Testament, setting the foundation for and reminding us of the very REASON for Easter!

3) Be prepared to be AWED by the experience - in the fullest sense of the word! In fact, our family tries to only use the word "awe" or "awesome" in matters that relate to God - for God truly is the only One worthy of our awe.

How the Vigil Begins

It starts outside. During the three days of Tenebrae the lights/candles of the church are gradually extinguished so that by Holy Saturday, the inside of the church is completely darkened. Outside the church The Paschal Candle is blessed and prepared - in one significant stage, five "nails" (pins amde from incense) are inserted into the cross on the candle, symbolizing the  five wounds crucifixion, the burial incense - and a reminder - WE put those nails in. Next, a "new fire" is lit - traditionally from striking flint into kindling, and building a fire from there. In modern days, some will use a lighter - which technically is still valid if it uses flint to strike the flame (electronic striking lighters, technically, do not suffice here). Prayers are read, hymns are sung and the Paschal Candle is lit from the new fire. The tradition of the "new fire" used to be a daily practice in the ancient church, eventually was done on each Saturday, throughout the year, and in the 11th century the ceremony was restricted to the Easter Vigil. Then, the congregation, each holding a candle of their own, lights their candle starting from the Paschal Candle. That One Light brings light to all. Next comes the procession into the church.

The Procession Into the Church

The priest leads the way in, pausing first at the door and chanting "Lumen Christi!" (the Light of Christ), then the doors open and he takes a few steps in, pauses and chants again, in slightly higher tone, "Lumen Christi!" This repeats several times as the congregation proceeds in behind him. Keeping in mind, the church is wholly darkened and is only being lit by the candles processing in - it is truly symbolic of the Light of Christ entering into the sanctuary - and back into the world. 

The Readings

The readings begin with the creation of the world, through the story of the fall of mankind into sin, to the promise of Abraham, to Moses, to Isaiah. If you are paying attention and meditating on these words, you may experience the Vigil in the deeper sense for which it was designed - to remind us of who we are, from where we came. and WHY we went through the penance of Lent, Passion Week, and are brought to this point - the Vigil of Easter - where we are encouraged to think upon the women approaching the Empty Tomb.

The Joy of Easter!

The preparation and readings of the Vigil. which again, take approximately 2 hours to go through and is why we start at 10 PM, perfect timing for the First Mass of Easter - which begins promptly at midnight. Bells ring loudly (they have been silenced since Holy Thursday, first day of the Triduum) and the purple veils over the statues (and other artwork) are removed - HE IS RISEN! And we celebrate with the sung High Mass!

The timing in most celebrations of the ordinary (Novus Ordo) rite are a bit different - but the meanings are still there. Again, I have been to both - but I prefer the whole build-up and timing of the First Mass of Easter beginning at midnight - in the first moments of Easter Sunday as celebrated according to the extraordinary rite (and some ordinary rite parishes may still adhere to the more traditional ritual).

Reason for the Season

 I noticed that we had a visitor to an article written back in 2005, during Advent - the "Reason for the Season," so I took a moment to revise it and add an image to it.

Take a look back! Click here: https://quilocutus.blogspot.com/2005/12/reason-for-season.html

He Is Risen!

He is risen!  

He is risen indeed!

In the Ukrainian (my wife and I were married in the Ukrainian Catholic Church) this is stated:

Khrystos voskres!

And the response is:

Voistynu voskres!

It is now Eastertide! 

 

The stone is rolled away!

We begin this season with the First Mass of Easter (about half-way through the Easter Vigil) and it lasts through Pentecost Sunday, which begins the next (and longest) season in the liturgical year.

A reminder to Catholics: One of the precepts of the Catholic Faith is every Catholic must receive Holy Eucharist at least once during Eastertide. We commonly call this precept our "Easter Duty." This will typically be preceded by participating in the Sacrament of Penance (aka: Reconciliation or Confession). This is not to be confused with another precept, that of the so-called "Sunday obligation," wherein every Catholic is obliged to participate in the Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation. While attending Mass is required, every Sunday, reception of the Eucharist is not mandatory every Sunday.

Last Day of Eastertide

Happy Easter!

Though Eastertide ends with Pentecost, you have one more week to fulfill your Easter Duty*, this week is your last chance this year!

Pentecost, 

the birthday of the Catholic Church!
(see Sunday's blog entry).

There is some confusion on "the end of Eastertide" and when is the last time we can fulfill our "Easter Duty" (to receive Eucharist at least once during Eastertide). The Easter Season officially ends with the Vigil of Pentecost on the Saturday before Pentecost Sunday. However, in the United States, and perhaps elsewhere, there is an indult (special permission) which extends the time period to receive Eucharist through Trinity Sunday (the First Sunday after Pentecost).   (See Fr. Gantley's answer on EWTN site.)

Precepts of the Catholic Church

Keep in mind, these are the MINIMUM requirements...

1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor. 
   
   We must “sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord” (Sunday), as well as the principal feast days, known as Catholic holy days of obligation. This requires attending Mass, “and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.”
2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year. 
   
   We must prepare for the Eucharist by means of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). This sacrament “continues Baptism’s work of conversion and forgiveness.”
3. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season. 
   
   This “guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord’s Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.”
4. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church. 
   
   “The fourth precept ensures the times of ascesis (rigorous self discipline) and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.” See below for more about fasting & abstinence.
5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church. 
   
   “The fifth precept means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.”

Fasting is reducing the amount of food you eat below normal levels. Specifically, on fast days you may eat one full meal and two smaller meals, but those two smaller together should not exceed the amount of the normal meal. Snacking is also prohibited on fast days.

All Catholics age 18 to 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. You are excused from fasting if you have a legitimate need to eat a normal amount of food on fast days. This includes:

• The sick or infirm, including handicapped or mentally ill people who need the nourishment or cannot make a free choice to fast
• Pregnant or nursing women
• Some manual laborers

Abstinence means not eating meat (fish is not considered meat in this case). All Catholics 14 and older are required to observe abstinence on these days:

• Ash Wednesday, Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), and all Fridays in Lent.
• Outside the U.S., this is required on all Fridays of the year, in honor of the Passion of Jesus on Good Friday.
• In the U.S., it is still strongly recommended to observe Friday abstinence outside of Lent, but Catholics may choose to substitute another penitential practice or act of charity for these days. 
• The point to remember is this is not optional to either abstain or choose another penitential practice or act of charity. 
• Be consistent! It doesn't mean much if you change the practice every week.

Do I need to make confession as part of my Easter Duty?

Well, not if you are already in the state of grace. Canon 988 does not state a timeframe for going to confession - only that it must be done if one is in mortal sin. Canon 989 while providing the timeframe of "at least once a year" does not explicitly state during Eastertide. Receiving the Eucharist, however, is mandated by Canon 920.2 at least once per year and during Eastertide (paschal time). Again, if one is already in the state of grace (no unconfessed mortal sins) then reception of the Eucharist during Eastertide (Easter Duty) does not require confession. If one is in mortal sin then they must go to confession before receiving the Eucharist - SO - if one has not kept up with all the other precepts of the Church (which is a mortal sin) or is outside the state of grace, then in order to fulfill the Easter Duty of receiving the Eucharist they would have to go to confession first.

Happy Easter!

He is risen!  He is risen indeed!

Ukranian Easter Eggs!

And by request from my long-time friend, Verga:

Klingon
Krist peplu'ta'
taHbej peplu'ta'

Pronunciation:
H = German ch as in Bach,
apostrophe is a glottal stop

For a longer listing of several languages I refer you here:

https://quilocutus.blogspot.com/2012/04/he-is-risen.html

Remember, Eastertide lasts until Pentecost Sunday!

It is still Easter season!

This means there is still time for your "Easter duty."

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! Today we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior! Oh death, where is thy sting? (1 Cor. 15:55-57).

Today is the day which defines us as Christians!  Without the Resurrection, Christianity would be nothing but a fraud. 

HE IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN, INDEED!

Faith in Absolutely Nothing

I happened upon The Lutheran Hour ( @LutheranHourMinistries ) again this morning and heard Rev. Ken Klaus reciting a sermon on Absolutely Nothing. He spoke of how one day when he was a junior in high school, his grandfather passed away leaving his father as executor of his estate. There was a box of what was important papers. "The greatest number of papers in that box was stock certificates from various companies. The one thing those stocks had in common was this: they had been issued before the stock market crash of 1929." As it turned out, there was one set of stocks from a company which was still in business - and that stock was valued at a couple hundred dollars. Then there was a huge stack of other stocks for which all of the companies had ceased to exist after the stock market crash... the were worth "Absolutely Nothing." Rev. Klaus tells a couple other stories about "Absolutely Nothing" and then gets to his point.  "As a believer, I have absolutely nothing to believe in. Yes, you heard that right. I have absolutely nothing to believe in. Please, allow to me to explain."  Rather than me paraphrasing, allow me to quote the next section verbatim:

                       Nowadays, most believers and unbelievers who have studied history agree that there was a man by the name of Jesus who was crucified under the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate. Most don't have any difficulty with the events after Jesus' death. 
                        Here's what the evangelist Matthew wrote: "The chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and, referring to Jesus they said, 'Sir, we remember how that imposter said while He was still alive, 'After three days I will rise.' Therefore, order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples go and steal Him away and tell the people, 'He's risen from the dead.' The last fraud will be worse than the first.' Pilate said to them, 'You have a guard of soldiers go, make it as secure as you can.' So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard."
                           Those Jewish leaders knew Jesus had promised that He would rise from the dead. They also knew that if the Christ's body disappeared things could get a bit dicey for them. People might believe on Him. They might trust Him. They might even claim He was the promised Messiah. To prevent that, these civic leaders asked for and received the Roman ruler's permission to lock down Jesus' grave. A great stone at the entrance of the grave made it difficult for Jesus' body to be stolen. The guards outside the tomb made any attempt a suicide mission. 
                          A guarded and inaccessible tomb is what the women should have found that Sunday dawn when they went to finish preparing Jesus' body for His final rest. As they progressed to that borrowed grave, they would have had absolutely nothing to comfort them. Their Rabbi, their Friend, their Teacher was dead. Yes, He had talked about repentance, forgiveness, and salvation, but that kind of talk had ended on Friday's cross when a Roman spear had ripped into His heart. They had heard Jesus say "It is finished." They had watched when He breathed His last. All that was left for this sorry funeral procession is for them to pay their final respects to the memories, the hopes, and the dreams of what once had been. Yes, that's the way it should have been. Now, let me tell you the way it really was. 
                         Sometime before the women's arrival, an angel from heaven came down to earth. Fear of his presence threw the armed guards to the ground after which they ran away to report to their bosses. Shortly after, the women arrived and were taken aback to see an angel sitting on the stone. Knowing what was in their hearts, the angel began: "Do not be afraid for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here for He has risen as He said. Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples that He is also risen from the dead."
                        For the first time that Resurrection Sunday, people poked their heads into Jesus' borrowed tomb. Not long after, two disciples, Peter and John, also ran to Jesus' grave to see if there was any truth to what the ladies had told them. John waited at the entrance to the grave, but Peter raced right on in. John soon joined the big fishermen, and together they looked at-well, there's no other way to say it-they looked at absolutely nothing. Oh sure, the embalming cloths, which had wrapped Jesus' body and face were still there. Yes, they were there, but Jesus was gone. If there had been a traffic cop there that day, he probably would have said, "Move along. Move along. There's absolutely nothing here to see." That cop would have been right. On Resurrection Sunday there was absolutely nothing to see. 

So, Rev. Klaus, using a clever play on words, justifies the sentiment that the Christian Faith is based on "Absolutely Nothing." 

What I found a bit disturbing was a couple of things. First off, I used the word "reciting" earlier because I don't believe this sermon to be Rev. Klaus'. He made it sound like this sermon was his own creation - but I heard almost the exact same sermon at Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) in Phoenix, Az at least ten years ago! I don't recall the exact date - but I do recall it was Easter Sunday and Fr. Bonavitacola had a guest priest celebrating Mass that day and the guest priest also gave this sermon. The point here is, in an open letter to Rev. Klaus, I've heard this sermon before. I recall being a bit offended then too - this priest was preaching that our Faith is built on nothing. I realize he was saying this for shock value, much like Klaus is too, I'm sure, but, it's simply not a true statement.

While it is a somewhat clever play on words - it is simply NOT TRUE! Well, it IS true that on that first Easter morning the women and then Peter and John, found the empty tomb, but the didn't find "Absolutely Nothing!" What the DID find was Jesus' burial cloth - but no Jesus. Also remarkable was the fact that the Roman guard had fled their post. For them to leave their post would mean death to them, for their orders were to stand guard, period, and abandoning their post would result in capital punishment. Their absence is a significant "something." Then, over the next 40 days, Jesus would appear to His Apostles first and then to many others.  That again is not "Absolutely Nothing." We have their testimonies on this. St. Paul too has an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul, previously known as Saul, was a persecutor of Christians - doing whatever he could do to destroy the Church which Jesus had built.

This brings us to the key point which Rev. Klaus (and sadly, that guest priest at OLMC) missed completely. The Resurrected Jesus was there, walking and dining with others for 40 days and teaching them how to build His Church. Most of what went on during those 40 days is not recorded in Scripture - but it is clear, Jesus was instructing them. This is far from "Absolutely Nothing." They were to - and DID build His Church.

Now what we have "Absolutely Nothing" to show - for over 1500 years - is a "Lutheran" church! Okay, it is a bit anachronistic to expect a Lutheran church to exist before Martin Luther, but the point is - there was no "church" which held the Protestant beliefs - like "the Five Solas" or "once saved, always saved," no Calvinism or Baptist or Methodist, etc. The FACT is, for over 1000 years after Christ, if you were a true Christian - you were Catholic. In 1054 AD, the Eastern Orthodox split with Catholicism - but Catholicism continued and continues to this day! 

Likewise, in the Lutheran church there is "absolutely nothing" for the forgiveness of sins since their clergy separated from the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Forgiveness of sins is a charism given ONLY to the bishops (originally given ONLY to the Apostles, our first bishops).  

John 20:22-23 And with that he breathed on them (The Apostles) and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Thus ONLY those whom the bishop has given faculties can hear confessions and grant absolution. Outside the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church - there is absolutely nothing for the forgiveness of sins.

So, while there is some truth in what Klaus and that guest priest preached - the bottom line is, they missed it "by that much" (to quote Maxwell Smart).

Missing it, even "by that much" can have serious and eternal consequences.

AMDG,
Scott Windsor<<<

You can hear Rev. Klaus' entire sermon here:  http://media.lhm.org/lutheranhour/mp3s/8452.mp3 

Hes Not In There

OK, sometimes the memes are just too funny not to share!

Happy and Glorious Easter, my friends!

He IS Risen!

Why Lent?

Why do Catholics, and others, observe the Season of Lent? 

It is for multiple reasons, here are a few:
1) Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights in fasting and prayer in the desert before he began His public ministry.
2) It is a time for us to call into remembrance what Jesus did for us, especially His Passion, Death and Resurrection.
3) For many, it is a time of spiritual renewal - a "recharge" every year to help us keep Jesus Christ in the forefront of our thoughts and actions throughout the year - not just during Lent.

Why do we "give up something" for Lent?

In some small way, what we "give up" is a small sacrifice by which we unite ourselves to the Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Whenever we would have partaken in that which we have "given up" we draw our thoughts to Christ. Therefore what we "give up" should be something we would have partaken in every day, or even multiple times per day. For example, giving up eggs for Lent (this is part of what the Orthodox traditionally do), when you would have had eggs for breakfast - while you're partaking in the alternative, you recall WHY you're not eating eggs. One could offer up coffee, or soda, or chocolate, fast-food, red meat or even all meat - whatever it is you have "given up," if you remain faithful to it - becomes another realization of celebration at the end of Lent.

Easter Eggs?

Again, still practiced by the Orthodox, giving up eggs was part of the Lenten penance, however - chickens don't stop laying eggs for Lent! So, rather than waste the eggs - boil them!  They last a bit longer when boiled. Coloring the eggs too made them "special" and then on Easter Sunday, you got a special treat of eating eggs again!

Happy Easter!

He Is Risen!

He Is Risen Indeed!

A glorious and holy Easter Sunday to you!

Eastern Easter Date

Why Does Eastern Orthodoxy (and Eastern Catholicism) Celebrate Easter on Different Days from Latin Rite Catholics?

Well, there are a couple answers.  First of all, it's not always on a different Sunday!  In 2010 and 2011, for example, Eastern and Western Christians celebrated Easter on the same weekend.  This happens with relative frequency too (see chart below).  But why the differences?

Well one difference is that the Eastern Rite Catholics and Orthodoxy use the Julian Calendar while Latin Rite Catholics (and Protestantism too) uses the Gregorian Calendar.

Another difference is the Gregorian calendar sets the Spring Equinox on March 21st, and Latins celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox.  Eastern tradition, while using a similar formula adds that Easter can never fall on or before the Jewish Passover.  For this reason Eastern Easter can be as many as five weeks after the Latin/Western Easter celebration.

Some believe the reason for the difference is related to anti-semitism in Orthodoxy, especially in the early years.  Actually, both East and West celebrated Easter on the same day from 325ad to 1582ad when the Latin Church fully adopted the Gregorian Calendar and Orthodoxy remained with the Julian Calendar.  So while there was, no doubt, some anti-Jewish sentiments going around in the Early Church, neither side was immune to this.

Easter 2010 to 2020

Year	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Catholic	4/4	24/4	8/4	31/3	20/4	5/4	27/3	16/4	1/4	21/4	12/4
Orthodox	4/4	24/4	15/4	5/5	20/4	12/4	1/5	16/4	8/4	28/4	19/4

 http://www.startinbusiness.co.uk/hols/easter.htm

He IS Risen!

Wishing everyone a Blessed and Happy Easter!

Arabic
Al Maseeh qam!
Haqqan qam!

Armenian
Qristos haryal ý y merelotz!
Haverzh ordnyal ý harutiune Qristosy!

Albanian
Krishti Ungjall!
Vertete Ungjall!

Byelorussian
Khristos Uvoskros!
Zaprowdu Uvoskros!

Chinese
Helisituosi fuhuole.
Queshi fuhuole.

Coptic
Pikhirstof aftonf!
Khen o methni aftonf!

Czech
Kristus vstal zmrtvy'ch!
Skutec~ne~ vstal!

Danish
Kristus er opstanden!
Ja, sandelig opstanden!

Dutch
Christus is opgestaan!
Hij is waarlijk opgestaan!

English
Christ is Risen!
Indeed, He is Risen!

Chaucerean Middle English
Crist is arisen!
Arisen he sothe!

Estonian
Kristus on surnuist ülestőusnud!
Tőesti ülestőusnud!

Ethiopian
Christos T'ensah Em' Muhtan!
Exai' Ab-her Eokala!

Finnish
Kristus nousi kuolleista!
Totisesti nousi!

French
Christ est ressuscite !
En verite il est ressuscite !

Gaelic
Taw Creest Ereen!
Taw Shay Ereen Guhdyne!
Gaelic
Erid Krist! G'deya! n erid she!
Irish Gaelic
Tá Críosd ar éirigh!
Go deimhin, tá e ar éirigh!
Scots' Gaelic
Tha Crěosd air čiridh!
Gu dearbh, tha e air čiridh!

German
Christus ist Auferstanden!!!
Wahrhaft auferstanden!

German
Christ ist Erstanden!
Wahrlicht Erstanden!

Greek
Christos Anesti!
Alithos Anesti!

Georgian
Kriste aghsdga!
Cheshmaritad aghsdga!

Hebrew
Ha-Mashiah qom!
Be-emet qom!

Icelandic
Kristur reis upp!
Sannlega reis han upp!
- Icelandic

Italian
Cristo č risorto!
Č veramente risorto!

Iyaric Patw
Krestos a uprisin!
Seen, him a uprisin fe tru!

Japanese
Harisutosu Fukkatsu!
Jitsu Ni Fukkatsu!

Korean
Kristo Gesso!
Buhar ha sho Nay!

Latin
Christus resurrexit!
Vere resurrexit!

Norwegian
Christus er Oppstanden!
Sandelig Han er Oppstanden!

Polish
Chrystus zmartwychwstal!
Zmartwychwstal prawdziwie!

Portugese
Christo Ressuscitou!
Em Verdade Ressuscitou!

Rumanian
Christos a Inviat!
Adeverat a Inviat!

Russian
Christos voskres!
Voistinu voskres!

Sahidic Coptic
Christos aftooun.
alethos aftooun.

Sanskrit
Kristo'pastitaha,
Satvam Upastitaha!

Serbian
Hristos Vaskrese!
Vaistinu Vaskrese!
Hear it! (Serbian chant, Real Player)

Church Slavonic
Christos Voskrese!
Voistinu Voskrese!

Slovak
Kristus vstal zmr'tvych!
Skutoc~ne vstal!

Slavonic
Christos Voskrese!
Voistinu Voskrese!

Spanish
Cristo esta resucitado!
En verdad, esta resucitado!

Syriac
Meshiha qam!
Bashrira qam!

Swahili
Kristos Ame Fu Fuka!
Kweli Ame Fu Fuka!

Swedish
Kristus ar Upstanden!
Sannerligen Upstanden!

Ukranian
Kristos Voskres!
Voistinu voskres!

Welsh
Atgyfododd Crist!
Atgyfododd in wir!

Zulu
Ukristu Uvukile!
Uvukile Kuphela!

---

And by request from my long-time friend, Verga:

Klingon
Krist peplu'ta'
taHbej peplu'ta'

Pronunciation:
H = German ch as in Bach,
apostrophe is a glottal stop

Holy Saturday!

Just taking a moment here to wish everyone a blessed Holy Saturday!  I am going to the Easter Vigil with the Orthodox tonight!  I've never experienced it from the Eastern perspective, so looking forward to it.  Of course they won't let me participate in communion, but I'm told if I bring my homemade bread for Easter dinner, the priest will bless it. 

What Is Easter Duty?

We get many inquiries, especially this time of year, regarding the Easter Duty for Catholics, so I thought I would post another article on the topic - somewhat repeating earlier articles (see links at the end of this one).

What is Easter Duty?

Simply stated, it is the obligation of every Catholic to receive Holy Eucharist at least once during the period of Eastertide, beginning at the First Mass of Easter (Easter Vigil) through Pentecost Sunday.  This is according to the "Third Precept" and Canon 920 the Code of Canon Law which states:

Can. 920 §1. After being initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, each of the faithful is obliged to receive holy communion at least once a year.

§2. This precept must be fulfilled during the Easter season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at another time during the year.

 Now if one has been absent from the Mass for any length of time due to their own fault and/or negligence (even if only ONCE!) then they cannot licitly approach the communion rail without first availing themselves to the Sacrament of Penance (Confession).  Why?  Because the "First Precept" comes before the "Third Precept!"  The "First Precept" states:  

CCC 2042 The first precept ("You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor") requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the Mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.

If one has not received any of the Sacraments for over a year, then the "Second Precept" is also relevant for it states:   

"You shall confess your sins at least once a year" which ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness. 

THEN we get to the "Third Precept" which specifically applies to the "Easter Duty" - 

"You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season" guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy. 

So, while the "Third Precept" is important, and one which no faithful Catholic can willfully avoid, one must consider the first two precepts before just marching in to your local Catholic parish and receiving the Eucharist. 

Is Easter Duty Only Fulfilled on Easter Sunday?

No!  Many think that "Easter Duty" only applies to Easter Sunday, but as you have seen from the precepts quoted and cited above, the "Easter Season" lasts from the First Mass of Easter (Easter Vigil) until Pentecost Sunday.  You can take care of going to Confession at any time prior to or even during Eastertide.  The precept regarding Confession is just once per year, minimally (you can go every week if you have something to confess!).  So say you go to Confession now, as long as you do not fall into mortal sin again prior to Easter, you can receive the Eucharist any time starting with the Easter Vigil and Pentecost and you've then fulfilled both the second and third precepts.  If you're planning on attending Mass ONLY on Easter Sunday, and especially if you have not gone to Confession prior to attending - then you're not doing yourself any favors! 

So, I fulfilled my Easter Duty, I'm good till next year, right?

Well, if you're "good" then you're not avoiding the First Precept!  All faithful Catholics MUST attend the Eucharist EVERY Sunday and holy day of obligation (as set forth by the local bishop).  Keep in mind, it does not state you have to receive the Eucharist every Sunday, only that you must participate in the Mass every Sunday (and holy day of obligation).  If you are in mortal sin, that's no excuse NOT to go to Mass!  If you're excommunicated, you're still obliged to attend Mass EVERY Sunday; you just cannot receive any other Sacraments until you've submitted yourself to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (aka: Penance or Confession).  In essence, if you're abiding by the First Precept then you'll have no problem fulfilling the Second and Third Precepts.

I hope this helps sort things out, and as usual, if you have any questions regarding this, feel free to enter a comment in the Comments Box (combox).

May God be with you and guide you through the remainder of Lent, and bless you with a great and holy Easter season.

In Christ Jesus,

Scott&lt;&lt;&lt;

Previous Articles:

http://cathapol.blogspot.com/2010/05/easter-duty-2010-last-chance.html

http://cathapol.blogspot.com/2009/03/easter-duty.html

He Is Risen

Christ Is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed! The Traditional Easter Greeting in many languages! A reminder too, that the Eastertide lasts from Easter Morning through Pentecost. This greeting is appropriate for our fellow Christians, whatever their language, throughout Eastertide. So, if it's still during the Easter season, have some fun with your friends! Memorize one or more of these greetings and use them on your friends - see if they have a clue about what you're saying! It's also a nice "ice-breaker" to get a conversation going on our Risen Lord!

Arabic Al Maseeh qam! Haqqan qam! Armenian Qristos haryal ý y merelotz! Haverzh ordnyal ý harutiune Qristosy! Albanian Krishti Ungjall! Vertete Ungjall! Byelorussian Khristos Uvoskros! Zaprowdu Uvoskros! Chinese Helisituosi fuhuole. Queshi fuhuole. Coptic Pikhirstof aftonf! Khen o methni aftonf! Czech Kristus vstal zmrtvy'ch! Skutec~ne~ vstal! Danish Kristus er opstanden! Ja, sandelig opstanden! Dutch Christus is opgestaan! Hij is waarlijk opgestaan! English Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen! Chaucerean Middle English Crist is arisen! Arisen he sothe! Estonian Kristus on surnuist ülestőusnud! Tőesti ülestőusnud! Ethiopian Christos T'ensah Em' Muhtan! Exai' Ab-her Eokala! Finnish Kristus nousi kuolleista! Totisesti nousi! French Christ est ressuscite ! En verite il est ressuscite ! Gaelic Taw Creest Ereen! Taw Shay Ereen Guhdyne! Gaelic Erid Krist! G'deya! n erid she! Irish Gaelic Tá Críosd ar éirigh! Go deimhin, tá e ar éirigh! Scots' Gaelic Tha Crěosd air čiridh! Gu dearbh, tha e air čiridh! German Christus ist Auferstanden!!! Wahrhaft auferstanden! German Christ ist Erstanden! Wahrlicht Erstanden! Greek Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti! Georgian Kriste aghsdga! Cheshmaritad aghsdga! Hebrew Ha-Mashiah qom! Be-emet qom! Icelandic Kristur reis upp! Sannlega reis han upp! - Icelandic Italian Cristo č risorto! Č veramente risorto! Iyaric Patw Krestos a uprisin! Seen, him a uprisin fe tru! Japanese Harisutosu Fukkatsu! Jitsu Ni Fukkatsu! Korean Kristo Gesso! Buhar ha sho Nay! Latin Christus resurrexit! Vere resurrexit! Norwegian Christus er Oppstanden! Sandelig Han er Oppstanden! Polish Chrystus zmartwychwstal! Zmartwychwstal prawdziwie! Portugese Christo Ressuscitou! Em Verdade Ressuscitou! Rumanian Christos a Inviat! Adeverat a Inviat! Russian Christos voskres! Voistinu voskres! Sahidic Coptic Christos aftooun. alethos aftooun. Sanskrit Kristo'pastitaha, Satvam Upastitaha! Serbian Hristos Vaskrese! Vaistinu Vaskrese! Hear it! (Serbian chant, Real Player) Church Slavonic Christos Voskrese! Voistinu Voskrese! Slovak Kristus vstal zmr'tvych! Skutoc~ne vstal! Slavonic Christos Voskrese! Voistinu Voskrese! Spanish Cristo esta resucitado! En verdad, esta resucitado! Syriac Meshiha qam! Bashrira qam! Swahili Kristos Ame Fu Fuka! Kweli Ame Fu Fuka! Swedish Kristus ar Upstanden! Sannerligen Upstanden! Ukranian Kristos Voskres! Voistinu voskres! Welsh Atgyfododd Crist! Atgyfododd in wir! Zulu Ukristu Uvukile! Uvukile Kuphela! And by request from my long-time friend, Verga: Klingon Krist peplu'ta' taHbej peplu'ta' Pronunciation: H = German ch as in Bach, apostrophe is a glottal stop

Easter Duty

What is the Easter Duty or Easter Obligation?
Well, let's first discuss the precepts involved here:

CCC 2042 The first precept ("You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor") requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the Mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.

The second precept ("You shall confess your sins at least once a year") ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness.

The third precept ("You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season") guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 2042

Can. 920 §1. After being initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, each of the faithful is obliged to receive holy communion at least once a year.

§2. This precept must be fulfilled during the Easter season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at another time during the year.

Code of Canon Law 920

What Easter Duty is NOT
So, first off we must understand that "Easter Duty" is NOT merely the requirement to go to Mass once a year at Eastertide. This is a misnomer held by many a Catholic who doesn't really know their faith. Many "Catholics" show up for Mass once per year on Easter Sunday (some go twice per year with Easter and Christmas), my challenge to those was posted in 2006, (click here). Easter Duty does not imply that Catholics are only required to attend Mass once per year! Those who think this way are ignoring the First Precept, wherein faithful Catholics are required to participate in Mass on ALL SUNDAYS and Holy Days of Obligation. To only go to Mass once per year grossly ignores the First Precept.

What Easter Duty IS
Easter Duty refers to the Third Precept, mentioned above. It is the requirement to receive the Eucharist at least once during the Easter Season. In years past reception of the Eucharist was not an every Sunday affair and especially not daily reception - as many modern Catholics are accustomed to. Reception of Eucharist could be once per quarter, once per 6 months or even once per year. The Church decreed that faithful Catholics must receive Eucharist at least once during the season of Easter, or Eastertide.

What is Eastertide?
The season of Easter, or Eastertide, begins on Easter Sunday and lasts through Pentecost Sunday. There's no rush to get ones Easter Duty done on Easter Sunday. You have from the First Mass of Easter, during the Easter Vigil, through the last Mass of Pentecost Sunday.

In Summary
To summarize - faithful Catholics are required to attend and participate in Mass on all Sundays and holy days of obligation (the First Precept). At least once per year, during Eastertide, faithful Catholics are to receive the Eucharist (the Third Precept). In order to licitly receive the Eucharist, faithful Catholics must be spiritually prepared, that is, they cannot have mortal sin on their soul (to not fulfill the First Precept not attending Mass every Sunday is a mortal sin), thus the necessity to go to Confession prior to Eucharist arises, and we are required to confess our sins at least once per year too (the Second Precept). So the "Easter Duty" or "Easter Obligation" is to receive Eucharist at least once between the First Mass of Easter (during Easter Vigil) and the final Mass on Pentecost Sunday.

3 Days, 3 Nights - Wednesday Crucifixion?

The following came from a discussion (now closed) on
CDF (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catholicdebateforum )
and I offer it here for futher comments, should anyone desire...

So, let's objectively look at this...
Robin, Sandra and Bob (hereafter referred to as "The Three")
want us to "accept Jesus at His word"
when it comes to Matthew 12:40:

Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in
the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and
three nights in the heart of the earth.

The Three insist upon an absolute literal reading of this
verse, yet even though it is a similitude (a comparison
to Jonah) and other verses, like John 6:53ff:

Joh 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say
unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and
drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

Let's not get too distracted into discussing John 6 here, I
just raise that as a point that where Jesus is clearly NOT
using similitude and even says "Verily, verily..." (like I
REALLY mean this folks!) The Three will insist this is NOT
to be taken literally. I only bring this up to demonstrate
their inconsistency on the matter of reading Scripture.

Back to Matthew 12:40...
Point 1:
It IS a similitude - a comparison to Jonah - and thus not
a literal statement, but "AS Jonah..."

Objection 1 to Point 1:
It is a direct comparison to Jonah's three days and
three nights in the belly of the whale - so this reading
demands a literal three days and three nights "in the
heart of the Earth."

Response 1 to Objection 1 to Point 1:
Even still, this can be interpreted in a way which a
literal view of "three days and three nights" can be
applied, IF you begin counting at the time of Jesus'
betrayal, on Thursday night. If you do that, then
there's exactly three days and three nights in
Jesus' suffering/passion until He rises from the
dead on the Third Day.

Response 2 to Objection 1 to Point 1:
If we are taking Jesus "literally" on "heart of the Earth"
then we should assume they are burying Him at the
molten core of the Earth - for that would be the "heart."
Thus, unless we are to believe Jesus was buried in
the molten core of the Earth, then we must accept
that this is NOT a literal statement. If it is not a
literal statement then we must use interpretation to
get to what Jesus really means. Thus, the
interpretation that He was buried in a tomb as the
"heart of the Earth" is valid. This also opens up the
interpretation that "heart of the Earth" could be
referring to the time of His Passion, until He rose
victorious from the grave and death.

Point 2:
Jesus rose from the dead on the Third Day, which is
Sunday, and Scripture tells us it was about dawn
when there was a great earthquake and the stone
was rolled away and an angel sat upon the stone
as the two Marys approached. Keeping in mind as
well they were on their way to the tomb just before
sunrise, then the earthquake happened, then they
spoke to the angel, then they spoke to Jesus who
instructed them not to touch Him because He had
not yet risen to His Father, and yet shortly there-
after He appears to the Apostles and encourages
St. Thomas to touch His wounds.

Objection 1 to Point 2:
Scripture says Jesus rose AFTER the third day,
not ON the third day. (This was an actual objection
on CDF).

Response 1 to Objection 1 to Point 2:
Well, Scripture does NOT say "AFTER" the third day!
The references are just "the third day..." allow me to
quote: (all quotes here are from the KJV)

Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to
shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto
Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders
and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and
be raised again the third day.

Mat 17:23 And they shall kill him, and the
third day he shall be raised again. And they
were exceeding sorry.

Mat 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to
mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the
third day he shall rise again.

Mat 27:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre
be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples
come by night, and steal him away, and say unto
the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last
error shall be worse than the first.

Mar 9:31 For he taught his disciples, and said
unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the
hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after
that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

Mar 10:34 And they shall mock him, and shall
scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall
kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Luk 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer
many things, and be rejected of the elders and
chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be
raised the third day.

Luk 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and
tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do
cures to day and to morrow, and the third day
I shall be perfected.

Luk 18:33 And they shall scourge him, and
put him to death: and the third day he shall rise
again.

Luk 24:7 Saying, The Son of man must be
delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be
crucified, and the third day rise again.

Luk 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he
which should have redeemed Israel: and beside
all this, to day is the third day since these
things were done.

Luk 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is
written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer,
and to rise from the dead the third day:

Act 10:40 Him God raised up the third day,
and shewed him openly;

1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that
he rose again the third day according to the
scriptures:

Not ONE of these verses say "after!" It is more
logical and contextual to say it was "on" the third
day.

Why do our challengers say it was AFTER the
third day? Because they argue for a Wednesday
crucifixion. This heretical teaching did not see
the light of day until the 20th century and primarily
from the pen of Herbert W. Armstrong. There are
problems with a Wednesday crucifixion theory, it
doesn't match the antitype (see graphics on:
http://www.wednesdaycrucifixion.com ) whereas
the Friday crucifixion most certainly does.

How do we trace this down? Let's start with the year.
Tradition holds that Jesus died when He was 33 years
old. We know that the sun was darkened and there was
a great earthquake.

Phlegon was a Greek historian who wrote an extensive
chronology around AD 137:

In the fourth year of the 202nd Olympiad (i.e., AD 33)
there was the greatest eclipse of the sun and that
it became night in the sixth hour of the day [i.e., noon]
so that stars even appeared in the heavens. There
was a great earthquake in Bithynia, and many things
were overturned in Nicaea. - Phlegon, 137 AD

So we have pretty good evidence that it was in 33ad that
these events, also recorded in Scripture, which signified
the death of our Lord. We also have a letter from Pontius
Pilate to Tiberius Ceasar:

Now when he was crucified darkness came over
all the world; the sun was altogether hidden, and
the sky appeared dark while it was yet day, so
that the stars were seen, though still they had
their luster obscured, wherefore, I suppose your
excellency is not unaware that in all the world
they lighted their lamps from the sixth hour until
evening. And the moon, which was like blood,
did not shine all night long, although it was at
the full, and the stars and Orion made
lamentation over the Jews because of the
transgression committed by them.
- Pontius Pilate, 33 AD

Well, what was recorded (100 years later) as an eclipse
could not have been - for Pilate records that the Moon
was full (which it would have been for Passover falls on
a full moon - so an eclipse is out of the question). The
real point here is it went dark and some tried to explain
this away as an eclipse - but it was truly the power of
God.

Anyway, the point is 33ad is the year and what DID happen
that year, on April 3rd, was a LUNAR eclipse - which would
make the moon appear blood red. This according to the
NASA evidence provided earlier.

Passover also occurred on April 4, 33ad. This makes the
Friday beforehand the "day of preparation" and Saturday
is a "High Sabbath" as opposed to the regular weekly
Sabbath. The "meal" Jesus was eating with the Apostles
on Holy Thursday was the "Feast of the Unleavened" and
on Friday, at 3pm, the paschel lamb was to be sacrificed,
and - HE WAS! It was at 3pm on Friday, April 3, 33ad,
that Jesus cried out, "It is finished."

The ONLY response our detractors have had is that Jesus
said 3 days and 3 nights in Matthew 12:40 and "I'll listen
to Jesus before I listen to the Catholic Church." Well, we've
shown how this CAN be interpreted as a literal 3 days and
3 nights and/or that one doesn't HAVE to view this as
absolutely literal. We have demonstrated FROM SCRIPTURE
the course of events AS THEY HAPPENED and AS
SCRIPTURE RECORDS THEM - and the heretical view of
Herbert Armstrong and a Wednesday crucifixion just doesn't
add up.

Respectfully,
Scott<<<

Originally posted here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catholicdebateforum/message/37353