by Sr Fidelis
Pascha
Pacha nostrum immolatus est Christus.
Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed. Alleluia. 1 Corinthians 5:7
The Greek word Pascha comes from the Hebrew Pesah, or Passover. Chapter 12 of Exodus gives us the details of the first Passover. Each family was to choose a lamb without blemish. Its blood was to be placed on the doorposts and lintel. The lamb was to be totally consumed — nothing remaining. Christ’s entire offering of himself in the shedding of his blood for our redemption is the complete fulfillment of all that had been foreshadowed in the Old Testament. He is the true Paschal Lamb. In the midst of Easter joy, we are reminded of what price He paid for our salvation.
The Alleluia now returns to the Liturgy after having been silenced during Lent. Truly one of the most sublimely beautiful chants in all the repertory, Alleluia, Pascha Nostrum “paints” in sound the joy of the Resurrection! Three characteristic motives are used: rising intervals throughout, two-note “trills,” and lightly cascading descents. Joy, hope and gratitude are portrayed in a melody that only the Holy Spirit could have inspired.
