Chag Pesach Sameach!! April 20, 2025

Happy Passover!  Today is Easter so why would I wish you a Happy Passover in Hebrew?   Both the Eastern and Western Churches initially referred to the celebration of Easter as Pasch.  The word “Pasch” comes from “Pesach” and means “Passover.”  The origin of the word “Easter” is uncertain, but likely was a pagan holiday replaced by Pasch.

The Jewish Passover celebration re-presents the Exodus, the delivery of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt.  The final freeing act is marked by the sacrifice of an unblemished lamb.  The lamb had to be eaten with the blood of that lamb placed on the doorposts. It was both the blood and eating of the lamb that protected the Hebrews from death.

“Christians and Jews both celebrate the Passover.  Jews (celebrate) the Passover of history, tending toward the future,” crossing the Jordan and entering the promised land. “Christians (celebrate) the Passover fulfilled in the death and Resurrection of Christ,” looking forward to “its ultimate consummation” in the Second coming. (CCC 1096)

God saved His people from slavery to the Egyptians in the first Passover through the body and blood of a lamb.  He brought them hope in the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey.   God redeems all people from slavery to sin through the Body and Blood of Jesus the Pascal Lamb in the Passover of Christ.  This Passover brings us the hope of Eternal Life in a New Heavenly Jerusalem.

During the Mass, we re-present the Paschal (Passover) Mystery.  We eat the Body and drink the Blood of the Paschal Lamb who freed us from death.   Thus, we Passover with Him from sin to life.   Chag Pesach Sameach!