Easter surprises
Below are three very different ‘takes’ on Eastertide from the Religious Network News archives. Each interviewee shares their unique insights into this period of fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday. They also reflect on the life of Jesus, culminating in the events of Holy Week.
Begin by listening to Luke Macnamara OSB » a monk of Glenstal Abbey and lecturer in Sacred Scripture in St Patrick’s College. In this interview with Sr Marie Stuart, he explains the significance of Easter Sunday, the most important day of the church’s liturgical year. He underlines the importance of Mary Magdalene as the first person to encounter the risen Jesus. He explores the inconsistencies and symbolism in the resurrection stories of the gospel writers. He notes that they choose their words carefully as they are keen to point out that the ‘earthly Jesus’ who walked around Palestine returns to them as the ‘risen Christ’, and that has serious implications for us as his followers.
Author and preacher, the late Fr. Jack McArdle talks about the importance of Eastertime noting that if Jesus had not risen from the dead then Christianity would have had nothing to offer anyone. In an interview with Miriam Gormally he shares his understanding of the paschal mystery, and a story about ‘Dundrum’, the pony who won the Aga Khan cup for Ireland! Listen here »
The role of the Tree Council of Ireland is to promote the planting, care, and enjoyment of trees. John McLoughlin, was president of the council in 2005 when he was interviewed by Miriam Gormally. He says Eastertime is a good time to start planting. He recounts the superstitions attached to trees and their significance at Easter time, starting with Palm Sunday. He talks about the crown of thorns, the wood used to make the cross, and the elder tree on which Judas supposedly hung himself. Click here to listen »
