Eastertide is the oldest season of the liturgical year. It was celebrated as one comprehensive feast of the paschal victory of the Lord Jesus Christ: His resurrection ascension, gift of the Spirit and the birth of the Church, all stood together as different aspects of the same mystery. Tertullian referred to the Fifty Days as a whole as “the Pentecost, “ describing this span of time as a “space” in which one can experience the expansiveness, freedom, and boundlessness of resurrected life.

Easter is a forestaste of heaven, an anticipation of the Kingdom, a time of joy – an Alleluia time. St. Augustine called Christians an Easter people. He said, “We are an Alleluia people and Alleluia is our song.” He saw the 50 days as “joyful days that point to a future life when we are destined to reign with the Lord.” It is a time for featsing, especially on theEucharist.

The 50 days of Easter are a “space” filled with the presence of the risen Christ, who shows himself over and over to us, his Church, as he manifested himself to the apostles. It is important for us to see the Easter event not only as something that happened long ago but also as an ongoing reality that is very present NOW in our own lives as Christians. Just as it was with the apostles, everywhere we turn, there is his Spirit outpoured, shaping the new creation. We know from the Scriptures that his disciples did not always recognize him. The challenge for us is to recognize the Spirit in our daily lives.

Ascension is not a departure, but rather a promise that the Lord will return. He goes to prepare a place for us. It is therefore a feast of great joy and an integral part of the Easter event.

Pentecost is Easter’s fulfillment. It is through our participation in the Paschal mystery that we are empowered with the spirit of the risen Jesus, and transformed into a new creation commissioned to carry on the work of Christ in the world.

(Taken from: http://www.catholic.org)

Will you carry on the Work?

hugs n’ blessings for those continuing to Rejoice!