We conclude this special series, reflecting on the Christology expressed by each of the Easter prefaces. On this occasion, Preface V, which has the title, “Christ, Priest and Victim”. As always, we will focus only on the preface embolism. The explanation of the structure of the prefaces and the introduction and conclusion of the Easter prefaces are developed in the first article of this series. The embolism It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, at all... Read more
We continue this special series, reflecting on the Christology expressed by each of the Easter prefaces. This time, Preface IV, which has the title, “The Restoration of the universe through the Paschal Mystery”. This preface helps us to contemplate Easter as a new creation. Once again, we will consider only at the preface embolism, which is the shortest in the five Easter prefaces. The explanation of the structure of the prefaces and the introduction and conclusion of the Easter prefaces... Read more
In a letter addressed to the priests who participated in the meeting “Parish Priests for the Synod”, Francis points out three paths to follow: recognizing the gifts of the Spirit in the faithful, resorting to community discernment and maintaining communion between priests and bishops. The Pope emphasizes that a Church committed to the Synod needs parish priests and affirms: “We must listen to them to move forward.” It is the letter of a father who understands the difficulties of his... Read more
We continue this special series in which we consider the Christology expressed by each of the five prefaces of Easter Time. It’s now time to focus on Preface III, which is entitled “De Christo vivente et semper interpellante pro nobis”, “Christ living and always interceding for us”. This title comes from the Letter to the Hebrews, “He is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them” (7:25). In Mass,... Read more
We continue learning about our faith through the euchological texts of Easter Time. In this third installment of this special series focused on the Christology expressed by the Prefaces of Easter Time in the Holy Mass, we focus on Preface II, which is entitled The New Life in Christ. Lex orandi, lex credendi. What we pray is what we believe. And certainly, we can draw important catechetical reflections from the Eucharistic Prayer prefaces of this liturgical season. We have already... Read more
In this second installment of this special series, we analyze the figure of Christ, as paschal Lamb, in the light of the first Eucharistic Prayer Preface of Easter time. In the previous article we explained what the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer is, its history, its structure and its theological and catechetical importance. Let’s remember these important aspects: Lex orandi, lex credendi. What we pray is what we believe. Thus, the euchological texts —what the Church says— in the Sacred... Read more
On this first installment of a special series that will cover the Christology of each of the five Prefaces of the Eucharistic Prayer in Easter Time, I explain what a Preface is, its history in our Liturgy, how a Preface is structured and its liturgical and catechetical importance. The Eucharistic Prayer prefaces in Easter Time develop a Christology that helps us understand Jesus better, as well as the liturgical time we are celebrating. At the same time, they give us... Read more
Sacred Liturgy, especially after the liturgical reform of Vatican II, helps us to perceive with more clarity the full dimension of Easter time: Christological, pneumatological, ecclesiological, eschatological and mystagogycal. Lex orandi, lex credendi. The norm of our prayer is the norm of our faith. In other words, what we pray is what we believe. Therefore, Sacred Liturgy is always a school of faith and the liturgies of Easter time are no exception. By paying close attention to these liturgies we... Read more
The death of Judas the Iscariot, as Peter recalls it, does not coincide, from a forensic point of view, with the way the traitor ended his life according to Matthew. We tend to assume the infamous apostle took his life by hanging himself from a tree. But, is this truly how he died? In the Acts of the Apostles, before choosing a new apostle to fill in the empty spot left by the Iscariot in the Apostolic College, Peter recounts... Read more
Well into the second decade of the 21st century, Roman Catholics have become used to the way we celebrate Holy Week: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord on the 6th Sunday of Lent. The Weekdays of Holy Week from Monday to Thursday. The Chrism Mass on Thursday, as the last liturgical act of Lent. The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, which marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum. The Tenebrae and the celebration of... Read more
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