Easter Thursday

Easter Thursday is the fourth day of the Easter Octave. The Church continues to celebrate the Resurrection with the same intensity as Easter Sunday itself, meditating on Christ's appearances and the commission he gives to his disciples.

The Great Commission

One of the Gospel passages often associated with this period is Christ's commission to his disciples:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." — Matthew 28:19-20

The Resurrection is not merely a personal victory for Jesus—it launches a mission that will reach to the ends of the earth.

Witnesses to the Nations

In the Acts of the Apostles, we hear the apostles proclaiming the risen Christ with boldness:

"With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all." — Acts 4:33

The same disciples who had hidden behind locked doors now stand before rulers and crowds, declaring what they have seen and heard.

The Apostolic Preaching

Peter's sermons in Acts provide a template for the early Church's proclamation:

1. Jesus of Nazareth was attested by God through mighty works
2. He was crucified according to God's plan
3. God raised him from the dead
4. We are witnesses of these things
5. Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins

This kerygma—the core proclamation—remains the heart of Christian preaching.

Signs and Wonders

The risen Christ continued to work through his apostles:

"By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch." — Acts 5:12

Healings, deliverances, and miracles accompanied the preaching, confirming the message of resurrection.

The Octave Continues

Each day of the Octave is like a little Easter Sunday. The Church maintains the festal celebration, with white vestments, the Gloria, the double Alleluia, and an atmosphere of unbridled joy. The Resurrection cannot be adequately celebrated in a single day—it overflows into eight days of continuous praise.

Reflection

The Easter message is not meant to be hoarded but shared. As we continue through the Octave, we are called to consider: How will we bear witness to the risen Christ? The joy of Easter compels us outward, to proclaim to others the hope that we have found.