The Fifty Days of Easter by J

Back to: FDLC Liturgical Catechesis Project

THE FIFTY DAYS OF EASTER
J. Michael McMahon
President, National Association of Pastoral Musicians

From FDLC Bulletin Inserts Series: Seek The Living God

Copyright © 1990, Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying , recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright holder.

The Easter celebration of initiation ushers in the last period of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the period of postbaptismal catechesis or mystagogy. The forty days of Lenten preparation give way to fifty days of Easter celebration and reflection. “Mystagogy” is a term borrowed from the Greek which means “understanding of the mysteries (sacraments).” In the joy of Easter, the whole community joins the neophytes in savoring the life-giving mysteries that were celebrated at the Easter Vigil. The period of mystagogy is first of all a time for meditating on the Gospel. The scriptures that are proclaimed in this season help to illuminate the meaning of the neophytes’ sacramental experience. At the same time, their sharing in the sacraments leads them to hear the Gospel message in a new way. The Sunday readings, and especially those of Cycle A, serve as the foundation for this reflection on the relationship between the sacraments and the Christian life.

During the period of mystagogy, the faithful once again extend a joyful welcome to the neophytes, who are now fully initiated members of the Christian community. The Easter season is a time for dinners, picnics, and parties. As they extend hospitality to the newly baptized and associate with them, the faithful “should derive. . . a renewal of inspiration and of outlook” (RCIA 246). The Easter season celebration of the eucharist is the main setting for the mystagogy period. At Sunday Mass the neophytes gather with the faithful and take their rightful place in the eucharistic assembly. The readings from the Lectionary which are proclaimed at these Masses are specially geared to reflecting on the relationship between the sacraments and the Christian life which the newly initiated have embraced. In addition to eucharistic celebrations at the parishes, the RCIA suggests that the bishop should meet with the neophytes and preside at a Mass for them to “show his pastoral concern for these new members of the Church” (RCIA 251). These fifty days are a time for the neophytes and the whole community to reflect on the Church’s mission in the world. The reading of the Acts of the Apostles throughout the Easter season is a reminder of the risen Lord’s mandate to preach the Gospel in all the world. During the period of mystagogy, the neophytes consider the ways that they are called to share in this mission, especially by “doing the works of charity” (RCIA 244).

On or near Pentecost a special celebration may be held to mark the close of the mystagogy period. The neophytes should continue to gather at least monthly, however, during the first year after celebrating the sacraments of initiation. These gatherings can offer them continuing support and encourage their full participation in the life of the community. The neophytes should also be brought together on the anniversary of their initiation to renew their friendship, share their experiences and to give thanks. There is a a sense in which mystagogy never ends. Christians are continually called upon to consider what it will cost them to live according to the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection, into which they have been initiated through baptism, confirmation and eucharist. This sacramental union with Christ also beckons all of us to go into the world “to carry out the mission of the entire people of God in the Church and in the world” (Christian Initiation: General Introduction 2).