Easter Church 

Famously, Catholic Churches employ all the senses in our glorification and worship of God. Numerous ancient cathedrals and churches in Europe use design, stained glass, and statuary to evoke awe and elevation of the eyes to God. 

Recently I have delighted in two modern cathedrals which emphasize gathering around the Eucharist table. Bright swathes of yellow, blue and red light (symbolizing the Trinity) bathe the sanctuary of the amazing Liverpool Catholic Cathedral while the people congregate all-round the altar. Parramatta Cathedral likewise has a central altar imparting a sense of gathering at the table. Ambience is enough to heighten our awareness that we are part of something special happening here. 

Our liturgical actions too, our “bells and smells”, tell simple and profound truths. We take our whole body to prayer, using more than words.  Standing, sitting, kneeling, bell ringing, the waft of incense, the touch of holy water, use of oils, vestment colours and altar dressing, candles and fire, the cross, crucifix and ritual actions all have meaning and say something about our faith.

The Triduum services from the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, Jesus’ death on Good Friday and resurrection at Easter best illustrate this. The Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday evening is the pinnacle of the Church’s year including a sequence of scripture readings from Isaiah, Ezekiel and others yearning for the Messiah and culminating in the Gospel (Mark 16:1-8). Our hearing engages with the Word of God, enhanced by timeless chant and bell ringing, but also our own voices soaring with beautiful hymns; our eyes behold the burgeoning new light of Easter, we smell incense lifting our prayers to heaven and we are blessed with holy water. Candidates and catechumens are anointed with holy oils and garbed with white garments and the minds and hearts of all are lifted to the divine, celebrating the manifestation of God among us. 

Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!

Deacon Mark Kelly