With the coming of Easter, we meditate upon Christ’s sacrifice and triumph over death. The spiritual journey from Lenten repentance to Easter Day rejoicing reflects the great sorrow and ultimate joy of the story of divine redemption. Through our Savior’s great love, our sins are atoned for, and we can live certain of our eternal hope. As you look towards the celebration of the Resurrection, we invite you to read these five passages that illustrate the heart of the redemption story.
Jesus Willingly Submitted
“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.’] They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, ‘He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.’” — Luke 23:33-35
Jesus Brought a New Covenant
“At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which is translated, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ Some of the bystanders who heard it said, ‘Look, he is calling Elijah.’ One of them ran, soaked a sponge with wine, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, ‘Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down.’ Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion who stood facing him saw how he breathed his last he said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God!’” — Mark 15:33-39
Jesus Triumphed Over Death
“Then the angel said to the women in reply, ‘Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.” Behold, I have told you.’ Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.” — Matthew 28:5-9
Jesus Perfectly Fulfilled the Law
“He said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And he said to them, ‘Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.’” — Luke 24:44-48
Jesus Brings Eternal Life to Those Who Believe
“Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.’” — John 11:25-27
Get the CD: Triumph of the Cross, Music for Easter
Enrich your Easter celebrations and joyfully commemorate Christ’s Resurrection with the new edition of Triumph of the Cross, Music for Easter. This extraordinary collection of music recorded here at the National Shrine will bring you as close as possible to experiencing the great solemnity of Easter at Mary’s Shrine from the comfort of your own home.