Sunday of the Resurrection

Alleluia Christ is Risen! We celebrate Easter known as the Pasch in the Latin and Greek Christian traditions – a name which derives from the Hebrew Day of Passover. Sunday of the Resurrection celebrations are rich in symbolism. On this page we have listed the Scripture Readings for Mass during the day.  At the Easter Vigil the Paschal candle was lit. Below is information about the Paschal candle.

Mass during the day.

Readings

Acts 10:34, 37-43: We have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead.

Ps 117:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 R: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

Col 3:1-4: Look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is. OR

1 Cor 5:6-8: Throw away the old yeast, that you may be new dough.

Alleluia, alleluia! Christ has become our paschal sacrifice; let us feast with joy in the lord. Alleluia!

Jn 20:1-9: The teaching of scripture is that he must rise from the dead. OR

Mk 16:1-7: Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, has risen. 

Homily suggestions

Homily Studio podcast for a 30-minute conversation about the scriptures for Sunday can be found at this link during the week leading up to 31 March HERE

More Resources

A wide range of resources to celebrate Easter can be found at the Jesuit Institute link HERE

Music 

Christ the Lord is risen today by Charles Wesley

This is the day by Les Garrett

He is Lord - Unknown

Easter Candle Prayer

This prayer might be used to light the Easter Candle at the beginning of assemblies during Eastertide.

God our Father,
as we light this Easter candle,
we give thanks for your Son, Jesus,
whom you raised from the dead.
May his light shine in our minds and hearts.
And may we share in his life.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Easter (Paschal) Candle – origin and meaning

At the Easter Vigil the Easter candle was lit from the bonfire at the beginning of the celebration.  

View this Youtube video (6 min) which explains the origin and meaning of the symbols and how the candle is used throughout this Easter season HERE

Prayer from the liturgy of the Easter Vigil is as follows:

Christ yesterday and today (the vertical line of the cross is cut into the candle)
The beginning and the end (the horizontal line of the cross)
The Alpha (the letter Alpha)
And the Omega (the letter Omega)
All time belongs to him (the first numeral of the current year, top left)
and all the ages (the second numeral, top right)
To him be glory and power (the third numeral, bottom left)
Through every age and forever. Amen. (the fourth numeral, bottom right)

Then the five grains of incense (usually in brass containers with spikes to press into the candle) are put in place:

By his holy (first incense grain is inserted at the top of the cross)
and glorious wounds, (the second in the middle of the cross)
may Christ the Lord (the third at the bottom)
guard us (the fourth, at the left)
and protect us. Amen. (the fifth at the right)

Photo on the main slider: Pope Francis lights the paschal candle at the start of the Easter vigil in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican April 3, 2021.(CNS photo Vatican Media)

Paschal candle from Freepic.