4.5.26 Vespers II, Easter Sunday Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours
Digest
The podcast opens with Latin prayers and hymns, including "Deus in adjutorio mey" and "Gloria patri," transitioning to the English hymn "The strife is o'y the battle done," which celebrates Christ's victory over death and His resurrection. It highlights the joy of His triumph, the liberation of believers, and the significance of the third day. Prayers for deliverance are offered, invoking "Alleluia." The narrative then shifts to Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ and includes pronouncements on His power and eternal priesthood, referencing Melchizedek. Metaphors of the Exodus, with the parting of the sea and Jordan, and the earth trembling before God, illustrate divine power. Jesus instructs the women to inform His disciples of His appearance in Galilee. The podcast emphasizes rejoicing in God's kingship and salvation, culminating in the imagery of the "Wedding Feast of the Lamb," symbolizing a joyous divine celebration. It reiterates the message to go to Galilee, touches upon Christ's sacrifice and eternal seating at God's right hand, and declares "This is the day the Lord has made." The risen Christ's appearance to His disciples behind locked doors is described, followed by the Magnificat, praising God's mercy and power. The podcast concludes with a prayer for Christ's intercession and the earth to be filled with His glory.
Outlines

Opening Hymns and Christ's Victory Over Death
The podcast begins with Latin prayers and hymns, celebrating Christ's triumph over death and His resurrection. It emphasizes His victory, the liberation of believers, and the joy of this divine event, incorporating exclamations of "Alleluia."

Divine Power, Resurrection Appearances, and God's Kingship
This section recounts Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Lord, references His eternal priesthood, and uses biblical metaphors of divine power over nature, akin to the Exodus. Jesus instructs the women to inform His disciples of His appearance in Galilee, and the text calls for rejoicing in God's salvation and kingship.

The Wedding Feast, Galilee, and the Risen Christ's Appearances
The imagery shifts to the symbolic "Wedding Feast of the Lamb," representing a joyous divine union. Jesus reiterates the instruction to go to Galilee, mentioning His sacrifice and eternal priesthood. The podcast highlights "This is the day the Lord has made" and describes Jesus appearing to His disciples, offering peace and confirming His resurrection. The Magnificat is included, praising God's mercy, followed by a prayer for Christ's intercession.
Keywords
Resurrection
The central Christian belief in Jesus Christ rising from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, signifying victory over death.
Alleluia
A Hebrew exclamation of praise and adoration, meaning "Praise ye the Lord," used to express joy and celebration, particularly in relation to divine events.
Gloria Patri
A Latin doxology, translating to "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit," used as a hymn of praise in Christian worship.
Wedding Feast of the Lamb
An apocalyptic symbol from the Book of Revelation representing the ultimate union and joyous celebration between Christ and His church.
Melchizedek
A biblical figure recognized as a king and priest, referenced in the context of Christ's eternal priesthood.
Q&A
What is the significance of "Alleluia" in the podcast?
"Alleluia" is a Hebrew word meaning "Praise ye the Lord," used as an exclamation of adoration and joy, celebrating Christ's victory and resurrection.
What event does the hymn "The strife is o'y the battle done" commemorate?
This hymn commemorates Christ's victory over death and His resurrection, marking the completion of His battle and the beginning of triumphant praise.
Who were among the first to witness the risen Christ?
Mary Magdalene and another Mary are mentioned as coming to see the Lord, and Jesus later appeared to His disciples.
What does the "Wedding Feast of the Lamb" symbolize?
It symbolizes the joyous and eternal union between Christ and His church in a heavenly celebration.
Show Notes
Vespers, Evening Prayer for Easter Sunday, April 20th, 2025.
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Introductory Rite
Hymn: "The strife is o'er, the battle done," Francis Pott (1861)
Psalm 110v1-5, 7
Psalm 114
Canticle: See Revelation 19v1-7 (tone derived from Mount St. Mary's Vespers Schola)
Reading: Hebrews 10v12-14
Ant. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.
Magnificat: Luke 1v46-55
Intercessions: Victorious King, hear our prayer.
The Lord's Prayer
Collect
Permissions Granted by ICEL. Copyright Attributions:
English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours: General Instruction, Antiphons, Invitatories, Responsories, Intercessions, Psalm 95, the Canticle of the Lamb, Psalm Prayers; original texts of the Opening Prayers and Alternative Opening Prayers from the Roman Missal, and the Roman Calendar. Copyright ©1970, 1973, 1975, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The texts of all Biblical Readings and Canticles (except the Gospel Canticles and the Canticle of the Lamb) are reproduced with permission from The New American Bible, ©1970 by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington D.C. All rights reserved.
Psalm Texts except Psalm 95 ©The Grail (England) 1963 published by Collins, London 1963.
English translations of the Te Deum, Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis, Benedictus, and Doxology by the International Consultation on English Texts.
*Hymn: The English translation is copyright ©2023 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation.



