You may have heard the term ‘Paschal Mystery’ but what is it? What does it mean to you?
As the Church draws closer to the Triduum (check out the 10 Questions about the Triduum), we are reminded of the passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus. This is what is known as the Paschal Mystery. We are particularly invited into that mystery over the Triduum. However, this dying and rising isn’t just something that Jesus went through 2000 years ago or that it is our focus only on the Easter weekend, it is very much a part of our own lives that we experience daily.
Easter is a significant period of time on the Catholic calendar, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his Crucifixion. In the lead-up to Easter, Christians also acknowledge Lent - a time that helps Christians prepare to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter.
To find out more about the significance of Lent and its customs, Fiona Duque, Pastoral Ministries Officer of Worship and Prayer has answered the following questions for us.
This Advent and Christmas season let us open our eyes to recognise Jesus in all of the faces that we see. That includes the stranger, the refugee, the immigrant. As Pope Francis has recently affirmed that “every human being, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, of any people or religion, every human being is sacred, is precious in the eyes of God, and has the right to live in peace.” [CNA Nov 23]. So, what does this have to do with this Advent season? How can you bring light and life? Let me offer some thoughts for your reflection.
When you shop, have you ever paused to consider where the products you buy come from? Were children exploited to make the beans that are in your morning coffee? Was your latest outfit made in a factory that has hazardous working conditions?