Every day this week, and this week only, we have the privilege of hearing what is called the ‘Easter Sequence’ among our readings. So, what exactly is this? To begin with, the word ‘sequence’ comes from the Latin ‘seq’ meaning to “follow”. We’re familiar with other forms of this word that have a reference to following, like sequel, subsequent, or consequential.
When used in our beautiful liturgies this first week, or Octave, of Easter, the sequence follows, and enhances, a word we haven’t heard since Lent began, which, of course, is Alleluia! The Easter Sequence emphasizes our joyous “Alleluia” and summarizes the reasons we are so jubilant. This beautiful prayerful piece was written in the 11th century, and we have been chanting or reciting it every Easter, in every Church worldwide, ever since.
While the Alleluia joyfully proclaims Christ has conquered death by his Resurrection, the Sequence exclaims and explains what we believe about this glorious event. It’s a reminder of an old Latin adage “Lex orandi, lex credendi” which translated says: “the law of prayer is the law of belief.”, or, more commonly, what we pray is what we believe. I used to tell our catechumens to listen to the prayers of the church during liturgies and they will quickly learn what we believe. This Easter Sequence is an excellent example of this. It is a simple, concise, reverent, and profound teaching of the Resurrection.
Within the Sequence’s series of short phrases that uses many contrasting words and which tell the Easter story, we hear of Mary Magdalene, whom our gospel highlights today. With an economy of words in the Sequence, we hear of her amazing experience with the Risen Lord, and remember her prominent role of being the first person to bring the Good News of Christ’s resurrection to the Apostles.
As I reread this Easter Sequence now, I would invite you to read it again later on your own. Quietly reflect on its profound meaning with much gratitude to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, to whom we owe our humble and loving praise.
Easter Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems;
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
