THE SEASON OF EASTER

Eastertide, also known as the Easter season, focuses on celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 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. (General Norms for the Liturgical Year and Calendar, #22) We see white raiment and cloths and the Paschal Candle is placed in a prominent position. This Easter candle represents the Risen Christ who is the Light of the World. All through this season we are dismissed with ‘alleluia’ (Praise God).

Now therefore, brethren, we urge you to praise God. That is what we are all telling each other when we say Alleluia. You say to your neighbour, “Praise the Lord!” and he says the same to you. We are all urging one another to praise the Lord, and all thereby doing what each of us urges the other to do. But see that your praise comes from your whole being; in other words, see that you praise God not with your lips and voices alone, but with your minds, your lives and all your actions. (St. Augustine)