Catholic Identity

Eastertide

Though all the chocolate bunnies have been eaten and all the Easter eggs found (hopefully), the celebration of Easter in our Catholic Church is far from over, as Eastertide is just beginning. Lasting for 50 days up to Pentecost Sunday. 

The term "Eastertide" is used to describe the Easter season that focuses on celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, rather than just calling it a "season." ‘Eastertide’ emphasises the significance of Easter. Unlike other fixed-date holidays, such as Christmas, Easter is a movable feast, meaning its date varies each year based on a lunisolar calendar. Eastertide extends the celebration beyond just a single day, reinforcing its theological, spiritual significance, liturgical implications, historical dimensions and ongoing impact. 

But why do Catholics celebrate Easter for 50 days?

Eastertide is renowned for its Mystagogy – a time when we reflect on the mysteries into which we have been called. When we live in the renewed energy of Christ risen and present in this world! The purpose of Eastertide is to bask in the glory of the Resurrection and the new life God has given us. Everything changed and a single day is not enough time to celebrate the magnitude of Easter. 

Catholic’s across the world, spent 40 days praying, fasting, and giving alms, during Lent in preparation for the Passion, death, and Resurrection of Christ. In turn, we will spend the next 50 days celebrating Christ’s victory over death. It is characterised, above all, by the joy of glorified life. Expressed most fully in the great resounding cry of the Alleluia! 

Prayer

Gracious God,

You call each of us to renew our ongoing commitment to the implications of the Resurrection in our own lives, here and now. But that demands both the healing of the soul, both penance and faith. Also letting go of what is superfluous in our lives or stops us from loving and worshipping God to our fullest. Heightening and intensifying, of what is meaningful. 

Help us to see the abundance of life in our world in the leaves changing to Autumnal hues of red and gold. Help us to live as a reflection of God’s abundant love to others. 

Make us people of life, light and hope, sharing our joy with others.

Alleluia & Amen

Holly Morris

Catholic Identity Leader

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