FEAST DAY
The Acts of Apostles (12:12) mention a man named John Mark in connection with a house that served the Christians in Jerusalem as a place for gatherings. It was perhaps his cousin Barnabas (Col 4:10) who acquainted him …
Read MoreDay: February 3, 2024
EASTER OCTAVE
The celebration of the Easter week including the following Sunday – called Easter Octave – is attested very early and the first testimonies come from the 3rd / 4th centuries. The chronology of John’s gospel provides scriptural support …
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MEANING OF THE FOOD BLESSING
The blessing of food on Easter probably has its roots in the 3rd century. A cup with milk and honey would be blessed during the liturgy for the newly baptized and distributed between receiving bread …
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BIBLICAL BACKGROUND
All three synoptic gospels mention a solemn meal held by Jesus with his disciples in the evening before his death. Matthew, Mark, and Luke cast it as Passover meal, celebrated during the night from 14th to 15th of …
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THE HEART OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR
The liturgy of Easter Night used to be considered the most significant celebration of all. In the course of the Middle Ages, it was gradually moved earlier in the day (anticipated), until it was …
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