10 Quotes from Saints about Easter

Easter, the holiest day in the Christian calendar, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, a triumph of life over death and hope over despair. 

Throughout the centuries, saints and spiritual leaders have reflected on the significance of Easter, offering words of wisdom and inspiration that continue to resonate with believers around the world. 

Here are 10 quotes from saints about Easter, illuminating the profound joy and significance of this sacred season.

St. John Paul II:

"Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and 'Alleluia' is our song."

St. Augustine:

"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime."

St. Teresa of Calcutta:

"Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness."

St. Thomas Aquinas:

"Christ's resurrection is a sure pledge of our own resurrection."

St. Athanasius:

"The resurrection of Christ is the victory of divine love over sin and death. It is the foundation of hope for every person who trusts in Him."

St. John Chrysostom:

"Let no one grieve at his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again; for forgiveness has risen from the grave."

St. Faustina Kowalska:

"Oh, how very much I desire that the feast of mercy be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter."

St. Pope Leo the Great:

"Christ's resurrection is our hope. It is the proof that all will be well in the end."

St. Francis of Assisi:

"We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world."

St. Gregory of Nazianzus:

"Yesterday I was crucified with Christ; today I am glorified with Him. Yesterday I died with Him; today I am living with Him. Yesterday I was buried with Him; today I rise with Him."

These quotes from saints about Easter capture the essence of this joyous season – a time of renewal, hope, and rejoicing in the victory of Christ over sin and death. 

As we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, let us draw inspiration from their words and embrace the promise of new life that Easter brings. 

May the joy of the risen Christ fill our hearts and homes, now and always. 

Amen.

The Easter Saturday Vigil: Waiting With Faith

Holy Saturday holds a unique place of anticipation and solemnity in our liturgical calendar. 

It is a day of waiting, a pause between the sorrow of Good Friday and the jubilation of Easter Sunday. 

On this sacred day, the Church invites believers to participate in the Easter Vigil, a liturgical celebration that marks the culmination of the Easter Triduum and prepares us to welcome the resurrection of Christ with hearts full of faith and hope.

The Easter Vigil is often celebrated after nightfall, symbolizing the transition from darkness to light, from death to life. As the sun sets and darkness falls, the faithful gather in churches around the world, eagerly awaiting the proclamation of Christ's victory over sin and death.

The vigil begins with the blessing of the Easter fire, a symbol of Christ's light shining in the darkness. From this fire, the Paschal candle is lit, representing the risen Christ, the light of the world. 

As the flame is passed from candle to candle, the church gradually fills with the warm glow of candlelight, dispelling the darkness and illuminating the joy of Christ's resurrection.

The Easter Vigil is divided into four parts: the Service of Light, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of Baptism (or the Renewal of Baptismal Promises), and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 

Each part is rich in symbolism and significance, inviting participants to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection.

During the Liturgy of the Word, the Church listens to a series of readings from the Old Testament, recounting God's saving deeds throughout history. 

These readings culminate in the proclamation of the Easter Gospel, which tells of the discovery of the empty tomb and the resurrection of Christ. As the Gospel is proclaimed, hearts are filled with awe and wonder at the miracle of Christ's victory over death.

Following the Liturgy of the Word, the Church enters into the Liturgy of Baptism, a time of renewal and rebirth. For those who are preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), this is a moment of profound significance as they are welcomed into the family of God. 

For those already baptized, it is an opportunity to renew their baptismal promises and reaffirm their commitment to living as disciples of Christ.

As the Easter Vigil draws to a close, the Church gathers around the altar to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our Christian faith. 

In the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup, we are united with Christ in his sacrifice and made one body in him. It is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, where all are invited to share in the eternal joy of God's kingdom.

The Easter Vigil concludes with a solemn blessing and dismissal, sending forth the faithful to proclaim the good news of Christ's resurrection to the world. As we leave the church and return to our homes, we carry with us the light of Christ, shining brightly in our hearts and illuminating the darkness around us.

The Easter Saturday Vigil is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments of our lives, God is always at work, bringing light out of darkness and life out of death. It calls us to wait with faith and hope, trusting in God's promise of resurrection and new life.

As we gather to celebrate the Easter Vigil this year, may we be filled with the same faith and hope that inspired the disciples who waited at the tomb on that first Easter morning. May we rejoice in the victory of Christ over sin and death, and may we go forth as witnesses to the transforming power of his love. Amen.

Jesus – they wanted him alive

The following is acknowledged via - https://percyparakh.com/jesus-they-wanted-him-alive/

Sunday is coming.

“He received 39 stripes because 40 was known to kill a man. They wanted him alive. They held handfuls of his beard, and hair and pulled it out by the roots. They wanted him alive. They kicked, punched, and spit on him for hours. Until there wasn't a single spot on his body not covered in blood. They wanted him alive.

They shoved a crown of thorns down on his head so harshly it stuck in his skin. They wanted him alive. After hours of being beaten, mocked, whipped, flogged, and tortured they made him walk with a cross. They made him carry it. A rough piece of wood with splinters digging into fresh wounds. They wanted him alive.

They wanted him to feel every ounce of pain they could bring. He had to feel it in order to heal us. Crucifixion was historically one of the cruellest most tortured deaths a human could face. Hours upon hours of torture. Torture most of us can not mentally think of because the cruelty isn't normal. It isn't something our minds can comprehend. We celebrate Easter with pastel colours, happy children hunting eggs, and chocolate. Truth is there was absolutely nothing happy about the day Jesus died. It was cruel, bloody, and nasty.

He could have stopped all of it. He could have called every angel in heaven to demolish every person standing and shouting "Crucify Him!" He didn't. He knew in order to have a Sunday you have to have a Friday. He knew in order to have joy you have to carry your cross. He felt everything that day. He felt how your heart broke wide open when you had to watch your baby die. He felt how heavy your life was when you were staring down the barrel of a gun wondering if the man you called husband was going to shoot you. He carried the weight of the burden you have felt since your spouse died, and life just doesn't seem right since.

On that cross he held the rapist and murderers, the sinner and the saint. He levelled every playing field and said ALL of you are worth it. He knew he had to carry the cross. He never promised the cross you carry in this life would not be heavy. His wasn't. His promise is that Sunday is coming.

No matter how heavy Friday is. Financially, emotionally, mentally, or physically. Friday is heavy. That cross is weighing you down and you are about to crumble under its weight. His promise was simply this. He won't make you carry it alone. What kind of king would step down from his throne for this?

Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God did. For you. He did every bit of it for you and me. Oh yes, it is heavy. So heavy sometimes you do not think you can take one more step. But look up, because Sunday is coming.”

That First Easter Saturday: The Pause Before Triumph

In our liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, the days leading up to Easter Sunday are imbued with profound significance. 

From the solemnity of Good Friday to the jubilant celebration of Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday, each day carries its own weight of spiritual reflection and anticipation. 

Yet, nestled between the sorrow of Christ's crucifixion and the joy of His resurrection lies a day often overlooked: Holy Saturday, a day of quiet reflection and profound mystery.

On that first Easter Saturday, the disciples of Jesus found themselves in a state of confusion and despair. Their beloved teacher and friend had been brutally crucified, leaving them disheartened and afraid. 

The events of Good Friday had shattered their hopes and dreams, leaving them questioning everything they had believed in. In the silence of that Saturday, they grappled with grief and uncertainty, unsure of what the future held.

For us today, Holy Saturday serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing the unknown and trusting in God's plan, even in the midst of darkness and doubt. 

It is a day to pause and reflect on the profound mystery of Christ's death and resurrection, and to ponder the depth of God's love for us.

In the Catholic tradition, Holy Saturday is often marked by the Easter Vigil, a liturgical celebration that begins in darkness and culminates in the proclamation of Christ's resurrection. 

As the Easter fire is lit and the Paschal candle is blessed, we are reminded of the light of Christ shining in the darkness, illuminating our path and giving us hope.

The readings during the Easter Vigil recount the story of salvation history, from the creation of the world to the resurrection of Christ. 

They remind us that even in the darkest moments of human history, God has always been present, working to bring about redemption and restoration.

In the Gospel reading, we hear the account of the women who went to the tomb early on the first day of the week, only to find it empty. 

Their initial reaction is one of confusion and fear, but it is quickly replaced by joy and awe as they encounter the risen Christ. Their experience reminds us that even when all seems lost, God is always at work, bringing new life out of death.

As we journey through Holy Saturday, we are invited to enter into the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection more fully. 

We are called to contemplate the depth of God's love for us, manifested in the sacrifice of His Son on the cross. We are challenged to confront our own doubts and fears, and to trust in the promise of new life that comes with the resurrection.

In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, Holy Saturday is a day of "expectant waiting," a time to "reflect on the great silence of the day when the body of the Redeemer was lying in the tomb and his soul had descended to the realm of the dead." It is a day of stillness and contemplation, as we wait with eager anticipation for the dawn of Easter Sunday.

As we observe Holy Saturday, let us remember the disciples who waited in anxious anticipation for the fulfilment of God's promise. 

Like them, we may find ourselves grappling with doubt and uncertainty, unsure of what the future holds. But even in the midst of darkness, we can take comfort in the knowledge that Christ has conquered sin and death, and that His resurrection is a promise of new life for all who believe.

As we await the dawn of Easter Sunday, may we find hope in the midst of despair, and may we trust in the promise of Christ's resurrection. 

For just as the darkness of Holy Saturday gave way to the light of Easter morning, so too will our sorrows be transformed into joy, and our doubts into faith.

3 o'clock On Good Friday; The End Becomes The Beginning

Good Friday. A day etched in sorrow, a sombre remembrance of Christ's crucifixion. 

The air hangs heavy with the weight of sacrifice, the world seemingly shrouded in darkness. 

Yet, amidst the grief, a profound truth emerges: at 3 o'clock, the end becomes the beginning.

The Gospels describe an unsettling phenomenon at this pivotal hour. Darkness engulfs the land for three hours, a tangible manifestation of the despair gripping the world. Jesus, the source of light and life, hangs limp on the cross, seemingly defeated. Hope appears extinguished.

However, within this darkness lies a potent symbol. It signifies the culmination of the old order, the dominion of sin and death. Jesus, the spotless Lamb, takes upon himself the burden of humanity's transgressions. 

His final cry, "It is finished!" (John 19:30), marks the completion of this redemptive act.

But the darkness is merely the prelude. 

At 3 pm, a shift occurs. The veil in the temple, separating the Holy of Holies from humanity, tears in two (Matthew 27:51). This signifies a profound change. The barrier between God and man, erected by sin, is shattered. 

Access to the divine presence, previously reserved for the High Priest, is now open to all.

This moment at 3 o'clock is not just an ending; it's a magnificent new beginning. 

Here's why:

The Dawn of Redemption:  Jesus' sacrifice on the cross paves the way for our salvation. His death becomes the bridge between humanity and God, allowing for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.

A More Intimate Relationship:  The torn veil symbolizes a closer connection with God. We are no longer distant observers, but invited guests into His presence.  Through prayer and the sacraments, we can experience a deeper communion with the divine.

Empowerment to Live:  With the power of sin broken, we are empowered to live a new life, free from the shackles of darkness. The Holy Spirit becomes our guide, offering strength to overcome temptation and walk in the light of Christ.

The significance of 3 o'clock on Good Friday extends beyond the historical event. It serves as a constant reminder in our daily lives:

Facing Our Darkness:  We all encounter periods of darkness, moments of despair and doubt.  Good Friday reminds us that these struggles are not the end.  By clinging to faith and trusting in God's plan, we can emerge stronger, just like the dawn breaks after the darkest night.

Transformation Through Sacrifice:  Sometimes, letting go is necessary for growth.  Good Friday teaches us that through sacrifice, a greater good can be achieved.  Whether it be letting go of a bad habit, forgiving someone who has hurt us, or offering our time generously, these acts of selflessness pave the way for personal transformation.

Hope Always Prevails:  Good Friday reminds us that even in the face of immense suffering, hope should never be extinguished.  Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday is a testament to God's ultimate victory over darkness and death.

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The next time you hear the solemn bells tolling on Good Friday, remember the significance of 3 o'clock.

 It is a time to reflect on the profound sacrifice made for our salvation, a testament to God's unwavering love. 

It is a reminder that even in the darkest hour, the promise of new beginnings awaits, a light that shines brighter than any darkness.

As we move towards Easter Sunday, let us carry this message in our hearts. 

Let us allow the darkness of Good Friday to refine our faith, and embrace the dawn of a new life, empowered by the love and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Catholic Meditations For This Good Friday

Good Friday, the solemn day that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is a time of profound reflection, prayer, and contemplation for Catholics around the world. 

As we journey through this sacred day, it is an opportunity to engage in meditations that deepen our understanding of Christ's sacrifice and inspire us to live out our faith with renewed devotion and gratitude.

The Agony in the Garden: Reflect on Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He faced the weight of humanity's sins and willingly submitted to the Father's will. Consider the depth of Christ's obedience and trust in God, even in the face of suffering and anguish. 

Meditate on your own willingness to surrender to God's plan for your life, embracing His guidance and providence with faith and humility.

The Via Dolorosa: Walk alongside Jesus on the Way of the Cross, where He bore the burden of the cross and endured physical and emotional pain on the path to Calvary. 

Contemplate the stations of the cross and the profound love that compelled Christ to endure suffering for the redemption of humanity. 

Reflect on your own capacity to carry your crosses with grace and perseverance, trusting in God's strength to sustain you in times of trial.

The Crucifixion: Witness the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross, where He offered Himself as a sacrifice for the salvation of all. Ponder the words of Christ from the cross, including His forgiveness of those who crucified Him and His promise of paradise to the repentant thief. 

Consider the profound mercy and love that flowed from Christ's wounds, offering hope and redemption to all who believe. 

Meditate on the power of forgiveness and the transformative grace of God's unconditional love.

The Seven Last Words: Contemplate the seven last words of Jesus spoken from the cross, each carrying profound meaning and significance for believers. 

Reflect on Christ's expressions of love, forgiveness, compassion, and trust in the Father, even in His final moments of suffering. 

Meditate on the timeless truths contained in these words, drawing inspiration and strength from Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience.

The Tomb: Enter into the silence and stillness of the tomb where Jesus was laid after His crucifixion, awaiting the dawn of the resurrection. 

Contemplate the mystery of Christ's death and burial, recognizing the profound sacrifice He made for the salvation of humanity. 

Meditate on the hope and promise of Easter Sunday, when Christ triumphed over death and sin, offering new life and redemption to all who believe.

Prayer and Contemplation: Set aside time for prayer and contemplation on Good Friday, allowing yourself to enter into the sacred mysteries of Christ's passion and death. 

Engage in meditations that deepen your connection to Christ and His sacrifice, inviting His presence to transform your heart and renew your faith. 

Seek solace and strength in the quiet moments of reflection, allowing the grace of God to illuminate your path and guide your journey of discipleship.

Good Friday offers a sacred opportunity for Catholics to engage in meditations that deepen their understanding of Christ's sacrifice and inspire them to live out their faith with renewed devotion and gratitude. 

May these reflections on the passion and death of Jesus Christ guide you on your spiritual journey, leading you closer to the heart of God and the transformative power of His love and mercy.

If That Isn't Love" by Elvis: A Song for Good Friday