We’re now into the 5th week of Easter and 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 being the ‘true vine’ and that we are the branches. We sing of these teachings in our offertory and communion songs. 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.
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 posses-sions, how they went out and preached the Good News, and how they started to explain the teachings of Christ in light of the Resurrection. For example, in last week’s reading, Peter explained the meaning of ‘the stone rejected by the builders, has become the cornerstone’, and how salvation comes through Jesus Christ. Today we hear of Saul’s conversion to Christianity, who took on the name of Paul. They are starting to build up the Kingdom of God – which we continue on even today.