The restoration of the universe through the Paschal Mystery
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
at all times to acclaim you, O Lord,
but in this time above all to laud you yet more gloriously,
when Christ our Passover has been sacrificed.For, with the old order destroyed,
a universe cast down is renewed,
and integrity of life is restored to us in Christ.Therefore, overcome with paschal joy,
every land, every people exults in your praise
and even the heavenly Powers, with the angelic hosts,
sing together the unending hymn of your glory,
as they acclaim:Holy, Holy, holy…
Preface of Easter IV
The above Preface is one of those which may have been used at Mass on Sunday. It reminds us that the Resurrection of Jesus represents a radical renewing of Creation, a restoration of Creation’s original purpose for all creatures, and most especially for humankind, which above all was created and called to live in intimate communion with God.
The Resurrection of Jesus is distinct from for example the raising of Lazarus, or the son of the widow of Nain. They were restored to life, but would die again. Jesus rose and lives still, seated at the right hand of the Father.
Jesus’ Resurrection is a first victory over sin and death, and which points to the ultimate victory over sin and death when all is again healed, and whole and at one in him with the Father.
Sometimes we can – unwittingingly reduce the Resurrection to one event among many in our history. It is an event in our history but it once more joins our history with the glory of God and in an irrevocable way. It makes our history into Salvation history – the story of God’s grace winning us for life.
For this, overcome with paschal joy, every land, every people exults in praise of the Father, and even the heavenly Powers, with the angelic hosts, who sing together the unending hymn of His glory, as they acclaim: ‘Holy, Holy, holy…’
Art work expressing Resurrection and Eternal Life displayed at St Victor, Marseille, 2013. (c) 2013, Allen Morris.
Living Eucharist 