THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD

The fifty days from the Sunday of the Resurrection to Pentecost Sunday are celebrated in joy and exultation as one feast day. When we speak of Easter we do not speak of only Easter Sunday. Easter is the fifty days that begin with the resurrection, celebrated on Easter Sunday, and ends with Pentecost.

In the readings during the Easter season, the Church recounts her own early days as Christ continues to work in it through his appearances to the disciples and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a time of growth, of deepening faith, and of joy. The Gospel for the second Sunday of Easter is the story of the risen Lord appearing in the midst of his disciples, helping Thomas in his unbelief. This Gospel describes the challenge of the Church from this moment and into our current time. Our belief must be rooted in a faith that exists without physical proof.

Over and over through the season, the church is reminded of what it is to be Christian. The austere environment of Lent gives way to the jubilation. The paschal candle, “a symbol of the presence of the risen Christ among the people of God,” is lit and shines at all our liturgies. Our fifty days end with Pentecost.

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.