#eastertide

"Saint Catherine of Siena, Pray for Us!" #SaintoftheDay

I got me flow’rs to strew Thy way, O King

and on this holy day Thy rising sing,

but then bethought me that these blossoms rare

yet vainly with one other plant compare.

For now the barren tree is blessed the most,

which bore Thine own dear form to pay the cost.

Though agony and blood its blossoms be,

yet for Thy sake most dear they are to me.

I got me flow’rs to strew Thy way, O King,

and on this holy day Thy rising sing,

but in their place the cross’ branch I’ll take,

The Easter season, also known as Eastertide or Paschaltide, constitutes the most significant period in our Catholic liturgical calendar.

It commences on Easter Sunday, the day celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and extends for fifty days until Pentecost Sunday.

This duration reflects the early Christian practice of observing one continuous feast of joy, often described as a single “great Sunday.”

During this time, the Church commemorates the culmination of Christ’s redemptive work, including His appearances to the disciples after the Resurrection, His Ascension into heaven, and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost.

The season emphasizes themes of victory over death, glorified life, and the outpouring of divine grace, with the frequent proclamation of “Alleluia” as a central expression of exultation.

The initial eight days form the Octave of Easter, during which each day holds the rank of a solemnity to prolong the solemn joy of Easter Sunday.

Liturgical elements include the use of white vestments as a symbol of purity, light and resurrection glory, along with the prominent placement of the Paschal Candle in the sanctuary until Pentecost.

Key observances within the season encompass Divine Mercy Sunday on the second Sunday of Easter and the Ascension of the Lord, typically celebrated forty days after Easter.

In its entirety, the Easter season invites the faithful to deepen their understanding of the Paschal mystery through prayer, scripture, and participation in the sacraments, underscoring that the Resurrection forms the foundation of Christian faith.

For the year 2026, this period spans from April 5 to May 24.

this Sunday is 'good shepherd Sunday', or the 4th Sunday in the Easter season where the Scripture readings always include a reference to God as both the 'good shepherd' who cares for His flock and the Pascal Lamb-- another example of the multitudes and contradictions of the Trinity. (for this Sunday, Year C, the readings are Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, and of course, Psalm 23). It is a Sunday of celebration, that we are safe in both the arms of God and the blood of Christ. So enjoy a quick little prayer to prepare you for this beautiful day.

Prayer: Sweet Jesus of Nazareth, the world’s most gentle Shepherd, beloved Son of God, and Pascal Lamb, Your cloak is red with blood yet white with light, and Your staff is worn and warm, held by pierced palms as You hold open the pasture gate. The sight of my Shepherd fills my broken heart with such joy, and I rejoice in knowing I have been gifted a place beside You, Shepherd most patient, most kind, most loving. 

Heavenly Savior and Shepherd of the world, create a clean heart within me; make my coat white as snow. Leave behind the ninety-nine when I go astray, and hold me to Your breast when I cry out in fear. Lead me to grasses of joy and tranquility, and feed me with Your milk and honey, that I might grow strong in the arms of the Spirit. To You do I surrender, for unwavering peace and boundless joy find their fill in Your gracious presence. Without You, this pasture is filled with brambles and wolves, terrible beasts and cold nights. But You are a Shepherd who never leaves his flock, and I need not fear the dark. Hold me close, sweet Jesus! Cradle me in Your arms, and let me never forget the pleasure that Your rod and staff bring as I dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

May my prayers of thanksgiving be risen to you by Your holy mother, for no adore You more than she. With a full heart, I pray,