Easter Sunday is a holiday that has been somewhat secularized, but there is no denying that this day is of great religious significance to the World’s Chistian’s. Easter is the day when we commemorate Jesus’ conquering death by rising from the dead. Christians believe that in rising from the dead, Jesus saved us from our sins and enabled us to go to heaven.
Nevertheless, the world has secularized this holiday; we see Easter bunnies, colored eggs, and loads of chocolate advertisements. However, it is important to realize why this is an important day. That should help us keep proper perspectives. This article will discuss some of the more important components of Easter Mass. Do you think reading this article will enable you to maintain a proper religious perspective?
Easter Sunday Mass Summary
The Mass on Easter Sunday is unlike the Mass on every other Sunday of the year. First, there is a sense of jubilation amongst the congregation. Maybe the people are all hyped up on chocolate, but it is more likely that they are excited because they believe their Lord and Savior has risen from the dead.
Second, in Catholic churches, at least, the priest wears white vestments. These clothes symbolize victory over death and peace. Easter Sunday is just the first day of the celebration. Easter is a feast and an octave. It is eight days long, and Priests wear white vestments the entire time. Doing so sends an important message to the community. The victory over death is a big deal.
Third, the Easter Sunday Mass is unique in that it is the first Mass since the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday. This is a Chrism Mass because at it the oil that is used to anoint the sick is blessed. That supply lasts all year long. That Mass commemorates the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist. There was no Mass on Good Friday, and the Holy Saturday ceremony is not a Mass.
Fourth, people dress up. Women wear hats. It is a fine-looking congregation. What people wear gives new meaning to the phrase, “Sunday best.” Being around so many people who dress well makes people feel good. The people of the congregation mark Easter Sunday by wearing their finest clothes. Men often wear suits.
The Christeasters
A unique problem that befalls churchgoers is that a large group of people only goes to church on Christmas and Easter. These so-called Christeasters take up valuable pew space and valuable parking spaces. People do not get credit for being regular church attendees. The homilist often refers to them as they are difficult to miss; they make up such a large proportion of the congregation.
The Best Scene in a Movie, Ever
The movie, ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ from director Mel Gibson, is a gory look at the crucifixion of Jesus. There is even a Hollywood invention to spice up the movie. The Devil is represented by a creepy-looking woman. She lurks in the crowd as Jesus carries his cross to Golgotha. Anyway, the best scene ever in a movie occurs at the end of the movie. It is a view from inside the tomb of Jesus. The viewer sees the stone being rolled back from inside the tomb. Which, of course, is the meaning of Easter Sunday.
Parting Shots
This article was about Easter Sunday. It pointed out some unique things about the Mass; it truly is like no Mass during the year. Then, we pointed out that the people in the congregation dress up. Then, the article turned to the issue of Christeasters. The second largest religious group in the United States is practicing Catholics. The largest religious group is non-practicing Catholics. Lastly, we talked about the best movie ever. Happy Easter!
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