Happy Easter everyone! There is nothing like Easter to pull out all the liturgical stops. Processionals, brass, hand bells, “He is Risen!” and the Sacrament of the Altar.
Yes, we should have the Sacrament every Sunday, since every one is our Lord’s Day. On Easter, the reception of Christ’s Body and Blood is at its Passion Week apex. Pastor’s message emphasized the continuation of this Easter joy. It is not over with the recessional or even after the Easter feast. It continues through the fifty days and indeed is celebrated every Sunday. Usually folks looked depressed after receiving communion. It is solemn but it is joyous. Forgiveness has been received. Nourishment for our lives under the cross is given. On Easter, many folks leave the altar with a smile on their face, and rightfully so.
I had a junior confirmand ask me about the etymology of the word “Easter.” I couldn’t remember. Here’s the wikipedia.org entry for your edification:
The English and German names, “Easter” and “Ostern,” are not etymologically derived from Pesach and according to the 8th century Christian monk and historian Bede are instead related to the ancient name for the Anglo Saxon goddess, Eostre, who was celebrated during Eosturmonath, equivalent to April/Aprilis[4] Bede wrote in Latin:
“Eosturmonath, qui nunc paschalis mensis interpretatur, quondam a dea illorum quae Eostre vocabatur et cui in illo festa celebrabant nomen habuit.”
Translated: “Eosturmonath, which is now interpreted as the paschal month, was formerly named after the goddess Eostre, and has given its name to the festival.”
In most Slavic languages, the name for Easter either means Great Day or Great Night. For example Wielkanoc and Velikonoce mean Great Night or Great Nights in Polish and Czech, respectively. Великден (VÄ›likdÄ›n’) and Ð’Ñлікдзень (VjalikdzÄ›n’) mean ‘The Great Day’ in Bulgarian and Ukrainian respectively. In Croatian, however, the day’s name reflects a more particular theological connection: it is called “Uskrs,” meaning ‘Resurrection.’
Happy Easter! He is Risen!
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