Christ the Lamb Has Saved the Sheep
Easter Sunday and the 8 days that follow (the Octave of Easter) give us a rare treat of an additional chant for Mass. Right before the Alleluia we have the chanting of what is known as a sequence (See the Catholic Encyclopedia article for all the details). Of the four sequences that are still in use in the modern form of the Mass, none is more famous than the Easter sequence, Victimae Paschali Laudes.
Today at Mass I talked through some of my favorite Easter themes found in the sequence. Below is an English translation and the audio of the homily:
Christians, praise the paschal victim!
Offer thankful sacrifice!
Christ the Lamb has saved the sheep,
Christ the just one paid the price,
Reconciling sinners to the Father.
Death and life fought bitterly
For this wondrous victory;
The Lord of life who died reigns glorified!
O Mary, come and say
what you saw at break of day.
“The empty tomb of my living Lord!
I saw Christ Jesus risen and adored!
Bright angels testified,
Shroud and grave clothes side by side!
Yes, Christ my hope rose gloriously.
He goes before you into Galilee.”
Share the good news, sing joyfully:
His death is victory!
Lord Jesus Victor King, show us mercy.