The seasons of Lent and Easter contain Biblical and ecclesiastical language with which we may not be familiar. Listed below are references that may better help you understand this important time of the Church year.
The last days of the life of Jesus are described as Holy Week. You can read more about Holy Week by clicking here ---> The Drama of Holy Week
If you encounter a word or phrase that you do not know, please feel free to contact to the clergy. We will be happy to try to help define what you are seeking to understand. It is our desire to help enhance your worship experience at Grace Church in Haddonfield.
(Abbreviations: BCP - Book of Common Prayer. All Biblical quotes are taken from the NRSV translation).
Alms giving: One of the recommended practices of Lent is giving of money to help others. Grace Church offers people the opportunity to support present outreach projects and the parish through the use of Lenten coin folders.
Ash Wednesday: Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It is one of two days commended for the observance of fasting (Good Friday is the other one). The liturgy calls people to the spiritual journey, pilgrimage and discipline of Lent. The service consists of the imposition of ashes along with Holy Eucharist. The liturgy is found beginning on page 264 of the BCP (page 264ff).
Ashes: Ashes are prepared from the previous year's palms for Ash Wednesday. They symbolize our mortality and sorrow for our sins. The people of the Hebrew Scriptures put ashes on their foreheads as a sign of penitence (Job 42:6, Jonah 3:6).
Alleluia: Means "praise God." It is found extensively through the Psalms and expresses great joy. During the season of Lent, alleluias are omitted during the liturgy to express a more solemn observance. They are restored at Easter, expressing the joy over the miracle of the Resurrection.
Atonement: Literally, it means "at-one-with." Atonement is humanity's reconciliation with God through the sacrificial death of Christ. Through Jesus' death, we are made one with God again. Paul is the first one to speak about how we are redeemed from the Law and sin by Christ's death and Resurrection. By baptism, we share in the saving act of Christ's death on the cross.
Baptism: It is the sacrament of "new birth" in the Church. It is the way one becomes a member of Christianity. Baptism uses water as its symbol and recalls Jesus' baptism in the River Jordan (Matthew 3:13f; Mark 1:9f; Luke 3:21-22). Through the use of the water we die to sin and the old life and are reborn to new life. See the BCP, page 299.
Barabbas: The Jewish Zealot, robber and murderer released by Pilate rather than Jesus during the trial before the governor (Matthew 27:15ff; Mark 15:6ff; Luke 23:18; John 1839-40). According to the Gospels, the crowd desired his release rather than Jesus'.
Basin & Pitcher: The washing of the hands carries different meanings. One is to express innocence as Pilate did during the trial of Jesus (Matthew 27:24). The priest washes his or her hands prior to the Consecration of the elements (bread and wine) during the Holy Eucharist service to symbolize their being made clean by God in order to carry out the sacrament. The basin and pitcher are used at the Maundy Thursday service for the foot washing. They also can remind us of Holy Baptism.
Beloved Disciple: Mentioned in the Gospel of John, this unnamed person has been called the disciple John, the evangelist John and in Gnostic writings was considered to possibly be Mary of Magdalene! Some scholars believe the beloved disciple represents the early Church while others speculate that it is the "ideal" Christian (John 19:27, 20:2).
Butterfly: A symbol for Resurrection. It is considered so because the caterpillar has to "die" in order to "born" a butterfly. Christians have come to see in nature's metamorphous the path of Christians moving from the life of sin to grace and new life.
Caiaphas: The Jewish High Priest before whom Jesus was tried (Matthew 23:3) and at whose instigation Jesus was condemned to death (John 11:49ff). He was the son-in-law of Annas.
Calvary: See "Golgotha."
Catechesis: The instruction given to Christian catechumens in preparation for Baptism, especially in the early Church. It is the necessary learning one must acquire to understand the meaning of the faith. A "Catechism" is known as the outline of the faith (BCP pages 845-862)
Catechumens: In the early Church, these were the candidates for Holy Baptism. They spent their time learning the catechesis in order to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. They received their first Holy Communion after baptism. The timing was such that they made Eucharist after midnight as the day of Easter began.
Centurion: A Roman officer in charge of a group of soldiers. It was a centurion who oversaw the soldiers who crucified Jesus. One of the Gospels records a statement from the foot of the cross at the moment of his death, "Truly, this man was God's son!" (Mark 15:39).
Chi Ro: Appears as an "X" and "P". It is a sacred monogram used as a symbol for our Lord Jesus Christ. They draw on Greek letters. IHCOYC in Greek is Jesus. It was changed in the Church and has become the IHS we see. XPICTOC means Christ. The XP are the Greek letters Chi Ro. The symbol placed on a board at the top of the cross read in Latin, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." The four Latin letters for it are INRI (John 19:19-20).
Christ:The title given to Jesus, the Christ, comes from the Greek for "anointed one". It is the translation of the Hebrew "messiah." Jesus the Christ is believed to be the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures called for by the prophets. It signifies the importance of Jesus as God's chosen one to bring salvation to the world through his life, death and resurrection.
Conversion: See "Repent."
Colors (Seasonal): The colors of the altar hangings, dossal and clergy vestments indicate the season of the Church year. During Lent, purple is used to denote penitence and royalty. Red is used during Holy Week to symbolize Jesus' sacrifice of his own blood on Good Friday. Black is only used in the Church one day of the year, Good Friday. White is used on Easter to indicate joy and festival.
Confession: See "Penance."
Contrition: A form of inner repentance that is marked by sorrow of the heart and hate of the sin committed. It is meant to lead us to not sinning again. It can only be real if it is grounded in the love of God. It is demonstrated in the Bible with Psalm 51; Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son); and, Luke 18:9-14 (Publican).
Creed: A concise, formal and authorized statement of points of Christian doctrine. Formed by the early Church, the creeds sought to answer the question "Who is Jesus?" The first creedal statement is "Jesus is Lord "
Cross: The cross is the symbol of Jesus' sacrifice and death on Good Friday. It speaks to the love Jesus had for us, to die for our sins. It has become for Christians a sign of salvation, redemption, atonement and victory.
Crown of Thorns: One of the objects of Christ's Passion (John 19:2). It was a mockery of the claim that Jesus was a king.
Crucifix: A cross bearing the image of the crucified Jesus. They are used for devotions and may be considered an icon.
Crucifixion: Refers to the violent death of Jesus by nailing him to a cross. The practice by Rome was a form of capital punishment meant to inflict deep suffering and humiliation on the victim and to intimidate the people. It was reserved for non-Roman citizens. It was proceeded by scouring, the violent beating of the victim by different tools of torture. The Crucifixion of Jesus is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 27:35-8; Mark 15:24-7; Luke 23:33; John 19:18). Jesus was crucified between two thieves.
Daily Office: The daily form of worship found in the BCP, called Morning Prayer (BCP p. 37ff; p. 75ff) and Evening Prayer (BCP p. 61ff; p. 115ff). Thomas Cranmer devised the format as a distillation of the seven daily worship services of the monastic orders in the 16th century. Many Episcopalians use the Daily Office as part of their spiritual discipline.
Decalogue: See "Ten Commandments."
Denial: The betrayal of Jesus by his closest disciple Peter, who not only abandoned Jesus when he was arrested, but denied him three times in the courtyard outside his trial (Matthew 26:34, 69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:34, 54-62; John 18:15-18,25-27).
Devil: From the Greek "diabolos" means "accuser, tester." Considered the chief fallen angel, the devil is associated with the serpent in the story of the fall (Genesis 3). The person appears rarely in the Old Testament (Job; Wisdom 2:24). The devil, also known as Satan and Lucifer, is developed more in the New Testament. It is the devil who tempts Jesus at the beginning of his public ministry (Mark 1:13; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). The devil represents those forces and powers aligned against both God and humanity.
Dice: Two or more dice along with a seamless robe of Christ have become Passion symbols. The Bible says that soldiers cast lots for his garments (Mark 15:24). This recalls another passage, "They divide my garments among them, and for my raiment they cast lots (Psalm 22:18)."
Disciple: Means "learner, student, pupil." It occurs in the Gospel and Book of Acts 250 times. It is meant to convey the disciples, or followers of Jesus.
Dogwood: According to legend, the dogwood tree, with its cross-shaped blossom marked as though with nail prints, may have been the tree used to build the cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Donkey: The "colt of an ass" was the animal Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. It is a symbol of humility.
Dossal: Also known as a dorsal, it is a piece of embroidered cloth hung behind the altar. It sometimes replaced a "reredos", a wooden or other type of structure located behind the altar. At Grace Church, the dossal is the hanging behind the side altar and the reredos is the wooden structure behind the high altar. The dossals are changed to match the color of the altar hangings and vestments for the appropriate season.
Easter: It is the festival season of 50 days that begins with Easter Day and ends with Pentecost. It celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The celebration of Easter begins on sundown of Holy Saturday with the Easter Vigil. The Vigil is observed after sundown but usually before sunrise so that the proclamation of Jesus' Resurrection comes with the dawn. Easter is the principal feast of the Church. All Sundays are considered "little Easters." The word comes from "Eostre" a Teutonic goddess whose name was associated with springtime, growth and fertility. In most languages, the name of the day is Pascha, which means "Passover." The Resurrection means that Jesus Christ has overcome death and this victory has opened to us everlasting life. Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-9). New life is ours through the sacrificial death of Jesus on Good Friday. Baptism is an Easter theme, the notion that we experience new life as Christians. The Easter Vigil is a traditional time of baptisms, recalling the practice of the early Church to baptize new catechumens on Easter Eve so they could celebrate their first Holy Eucharist on Easter morning. We look for the events of the Church's life (sacraments, worship, etc.) to communicate to us the meaning of the Risen Lord. Easter is observed with multiple services at Grace Church including the Easter Vigil, a sunrise service and the usual Sunday schedule. Easter, the Feast of the Resurrection, is the oldest and greatest celebration of the Church. It brings the observance of Lent and Holy Week to its ultimate climax. The stories of the Gospel tell us that the women, Mary Magdalene in particular, found the empty tomb on Easter morning (Matthew 28:1ff; Mark 16:1ff; Luke 24:1ff; and, John 20:1ff). The empty tomb, along with an empty cross, has become symbols in the Church for Resurrection.
Easter Vigil: The Great Vigil is the first service of Easter observed with sundown. It contains a service of light, lessons, Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist. It is often chanted and known as the Exsultet. The Paschal Candle is lit at the service to signify the return of the light of God in Jesus Christ at the Resurrection. (BCP page 285ff).
Egeria: Also known as Etheria, was a Spanish nun or abbess who made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 3rd century. Her powers of observation were acute and she is credited with bringing back much of the liturgies that now comprise our Holy Week observances.
Egg: It is an Easter symbol from which new life emerges. The egg has long carried meaning of fertility and life.
Empty Cross: Is a sign of the victory of Easter. His Resurrection replaces Jesus' suffering and death on the cross.
Empty Tomb: See "Easter."
Epistle: In Christian worship, it is one of the New Testament choices read during the service. The Epistles were letters written by people, like Paul, in the early life of the Church. They were meant to convey meaning and teaching on Jesus Christ.
Eucharist: It means in Greek, "thanksgiving." It is also known as Holy Communion, the Mass and the Lord's or Last Supper. It is the central act of Christian worship. Jesus instituted it on Maundy Thursday (1 Corinthians 11:23-5; Matthew 26:26-8; Mark 14:22-4; and, Luke 22:17-20). The Eucharist conveys to the believer the Body and Blood of Jesus with the breaking of his body and the shedding of his blood at the Crucifixion. The bread and wine become symbols for what Jesus did for us. As Episcopalians, we embrace the doctrine of "The Real Presence." By that, we understand the bread and wine to point to the body and blood in some significant and mysterious way. We believe that Jesus is "really present" in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist (BCP page 323 ff; page 355 ff).
Everlasting Life: The promise for those who are baptized and believe in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Exsultet: See "Easter
Vigil."
Fasting: A Jewish practice of self-denial of food. It was believed that fasting, as a penitential practice, strengthened the spiritual life by weakening the attractions of the world. Two fasts days are proscribed in the Episcopal Church: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Optional times of fasting may include Fridays during Lent. There is also a belief that fasting allowed God to make a new revelation of some sort to the person abstaining from food.
Feasting: Commonly referred to the feasts, or festival days, these are particular occasions of great joy in the Church. They were marked in the early Church with lavish celebrations and meals. The greatest Feast of all in the Church is Easter.
Foot washing: See "Maundy Thursday."
Gethsemane: The Garden of Gethsemane is located in the Mount of Olives. It is a valley between the city of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives proper. It was here Jesus retired to pray and wait after celebrating the Last Supper with his disciples and before his agony on Good Friday (Matthew 26:30-56; Mark 14:32-52; Luke 22:39-48; John 18:1-9). The accounts speak of a slave whose ear was cut off by Peter (according to legend, Malchus).
Gloria: Short for "Gloria in Excelsis", Latin words for the initial hymn, "Glory be to God on high…" It is also known as the "Greater Doxology" and the "Angelic Hymn." Modeled after the Psalms, the Gloria is a song of praise. It is omitted during Lent because the season is more reflective and penitential.
Golgotha: Know also as Mount Calvary. Golgotha means "place of the skull." It was the site of Jesus' Crucifixion, just outside of Jerusalem (Matthew 27:33; Mark 15:22; John 19:17). Golgotha was a public place of execution. According to tradition, it was a hill shaped in the form of a skull and was the burial place of Adam.
Good Friday: Good Friday commemorates the Crucifixion of our Lord. "Good" is another way of saying holy. It points us to the new life brought about by the sacrifice of Jesus and the victory of Easter morning. Tradition maintains that Jesus hung on the cross from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Grace Church marks the day with liturgies at 7:00 am: 12:00 noon (Way of the Cross); and 7:30 pm. The Council of Churches also hosts a three-hour service each year.
Gospel: In the liturgy of Holy Eucharist, it is the reading from the Gospels for the Mass. The Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, are the four writings that give us much of our information on the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The writers, or evangelists, are unknown. The writings were unique for their times. A Gospel is not a biographical account in the sense that we think. Each of the evangelists was trying to convene particular theological understandings of Jesus to their respective audiences. The central part of each Gospel is the Passion Narrative. This is the section of the text that deals with the last few days of Jesus' life from Palm Sunday, through the Crucifixion to the Resurrection. The Greek word " euanglion" means "proclamation." The Gospels are proclamations about Jesus Christ!
He is risen! The acclamation made on Easter morning proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the liturgy, the priest says, "Alleluia! He is risen!" and the people respond, "He is risen indeed! Alleluia!" It is the central belief of Christianity (resurrection).
Hell: Also known as "Sheol" and "Hades." Hell was the place souls resided after death in a region of shadows, misery and futility. After the Crucifixion, Jesus is said to have descended into Hell to face Satan and conquer the devil thus making everlasting life available to humanity.
Herod: The Herod family was a series of kings who ruled over Israel during the Roman occupation. Herod the Great was appointed to rule over the Jews from 37 to 4 BCE. It was during this time that we believe Jesus was born. Upon his death, the kingdom was divided and ruled by his sons. Archelaus ruled Judea and Samaria. Antipas ruled Galilee and Philip the rest of the territory. Archelaus was deposed in 4 CE and replaced by Roman governors, of whom Pontus Pilate was the fifth or sixth. Antipas is the one of whom we hear in the Gospels beheaded John the Baptist and before whom Jesus was brought during his trial. The Herods were known not only for their ruthlessness but their readiness to collaborate with the occupation forces.
Holy Saturday: The day after Good Friday and before Easter. According to the liturgy for the day (BCP page 283) no Eucharist is celebrated. It is a time of pondering what happened on Good Friday as we await Easter.
Holy Week: The Church dramatizes the events leading up to and including the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross. It begins with the Sunday of the Passion, Palm Sunday. This is the day that marks the joyful entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It ends with the Triduum, the last three days of Jesus life, beginning with Maundy Thursday. (For more information about Holy Week, click the title of this paragraph.)
Hope: Christian hope is grounded in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3). It has nothing to do with our early desires. It is not the prospect of some earthly utopia being made manifest in our lives. Hope always refers to the new life we will share with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hosanna: The word used by people greeting Jesus on his way to Jerusalem ("Hosanna in the highest!") The refrain familiar to us on Palm Sunday recalls Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11: 10; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19). It combines the piety of the OT, the proclamation of Jesus as the Incarnate One, and of God who lives in the highest heavens. It was a word shouted by pilgrims to God as they approached Jerusalem (Psalm 118:25).
Humility: A moral virtue that consists in keeping one's self within one's bounds, not reaching out to things beyond or above one's grasp. It is the suppression of ambition and self-esteem without falling in loathing of self. It is one of the attributes of Jesus (Matthew 11:29; Philippians 2:7ff). Augustine considered the whole of Christianity to be humility. It has also been described as the acceptance of God's will and unconditional dependence on God.
Icon: They were flat pictures painted on wood but also made of ivory, mosaic and other materials. Icons depicted our Lord, Mary and other saints and were used for veneration in the early Church, especially the Greek Orthodox Church. They also were believed to possess miraculous powers.
INRI: See "Chi Ro."
Jerusalem: The Holy City of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The city of the Holy Land has existed since 3000 BCE. It is the city of David, the site of the Jewish religion and the Temple. The Christian history focuses on the ministry of Jesus that culminates in His Crucifixion and His Resurrection. The Apostles lived and taught here for a short time before Christianity began to spread out into the rest of the world. It is the city where Jesus is tried, crucified and buried. It has long been a site of pilgrimage for Christians.
Jesus: In Hebrew, his name means "he who saves." The Gospels record parts of his life, words and ministry that lead up to his Crucifixion and Resurrection. Jesus preached the imminent coming of the Kingdom of God. He commanded his followers to love one another as God loved them. Jesus had a unique relationship with God, referring to him in personal, intimate ways. The mission of Jesus was almost exclusively to the Jewish people. He made reference to the Hebrew Scriptures (OT) appealing for the people to reconnect with God through repentance. He clashed with the religious people of his day, the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus preached a change that would take place in the hearts and lives of people, not by violent revolt as advocated by the Zealots.
Joseph of Arimathea: A member of the Sanhedrin and a secret disciple of Jesus. He asked Pilate for the body and took care of the burial of Jesus (Mark 15:42-47).
Joy: Relates to the whole life of the Church. Joy is not an isolated or occasional consequence of faith. It is an integral part of the whole relation to God. It is a gift from God and a characteristic of feasts, especially Easter. Joy is realized now as we see that we are becoming part of the Kingdom of God.
Judas Iscariot: The Apostle who betrayed Jesus to the Jewish authorities (Mark 14:10ff). His motive is uncertain, despite the hint of his being a thief (John 12:6). Some speculate that he was a Zealot, and hope his turning Jesus over would prompt him to start the confrontation that would lead to the restoration of Israel. He committed suicide (Matthew 27:3-5; Acts 1:16-20).
King David: The first king of the Judean dynasty. In Hebrew tradition, David came to occupy a central position. God promised to continue his line forever. The prophets believed the deliverance and re-establishment of Israel would come about with a Messiah who was a descendant of David. In the NT, the evangelists assume Jesus is a descendant of David. One of the titles for Jesus is the "Son of David." The triumphal entry into Jerusalem raises the hopes of the people that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah.
Lamb: Title given to Jesus (Lamb of god) by John the Baptist (John 1:29, 36). The symbolism is found in the OT, "…like a lamb that is led to slaughter," (Isaiah 53:7). The paschal lamb eaten at Passover is a symbol of God's deliverance of the people. The cross-bearing lamb symbolizes the Crucified Christ. The Passover lambs were slaughtered for the Seder. We understand that Jesus was slaughtered for our sins.
Last Supper: See "Maundy Thursday."
Lectionary: A three-year cycle of Biblical readings designated for Sundays. There are four readings: first, from the Hebrew Scriptures (OT); second, a Psalm; third, a reading form Christian Scripture (NT); fourth, a Gospel reading. If a person were to attend every Sunday service for three years, they would read or hear more than three quarters of the Bible.
Lent: Comes from the Anglo-Saxon word, "lencton", the time of year when the days grow long. The season begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with the Easter Triduum. It covers 40 days (excluding Sundays). Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. It has been marked by spiritual disciplines such as almsgiving, fasting and prayer. It is a time for self-examination on one's spiritual journey. The early Church used Lent to prepare people to be baptized. The number 40 recalls both the Exodus, the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years, and the number of days Jesus was in the wilderness after his baptism (known as the Temptation).
Lily: A flower used to decorate churches at Easter time; it is a symbol of purity and a beautiful new life.
Litany: A series of prayers often with a particular theme, such as "The Litany for Ordinations (BCP pages 548-551)." The Great Litany (BCP pages 148-155) is used during Lent. It is a penitential series of prayers that places before us our sinful nature and calls upon God for forgiveness.
Lord: The primary biblical meaning is "ruler." Used as a title for God and Jesus Christ. It was a term of respect and courtesy when referring to God, such as with the one form of "Adonai" in the OT. Jesus is Lord is probably the earliest baptismal creed of the Church (Romans 10:9). Early Christians will adopt it as a title for Jesus.
Love: The Bible identifies that God loves humanity from the outset. Humans in return love God. It will become the core teaching of Jesus summarized in his commandment to love (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34; John 13:34).
Malchus: See "Gethsemane."
Mary of Magdalene: A woman follower of Jesus. It was rare for rabbis in Jesus day to have women followers. One account is that she was possessed by demons and healed by Jesus (Luke 8:2). She is one of the few that were at the foot of the cross with Jesus when he was crucified (Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; Luke 23:49, 55-56; John 19:25). Various legends have arisen around Mary. She plays a key role in the Resurrection for it is she who is first to discover the empty tomb (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1, 10; John 20:1). It will be Mary who brings the message of the Resurrection to the other disciples.
Mary, Mother of Jesus: Only the Gospel of John mentions the presence of Jesus' mother at the Crucifixion (John 19:25-26). She is often shown in art as standing on her son's right hand at the cross. There is no account that Mary was present during the trial or journey to Golgotha.
Maundy Thursday: The name from the Latin, "mandatum" or command. It's taken from the Gospel of John that attributes to Jesus the words about a new commandment to love (John 13:1-20, 34). The liturgy includes a remembrance of the Last Supper and the institution of the first Holy Eucharist. Foot washing is included as a reminder of the servant nature of being a Christian. Grace Church observes Maundy Thursday with a reenactment of the Seder before the service. Our young people in second grade are given instruction so they may make their First Communion this night. The service concludes with the "stripping of the altar", the act of removing all decorations and hangings. It symbolizes the starkness of the next day, Good Friday.
Messiah: See "Christ."
Night Watch: A common practice in many Churches is to keep a vigil, or watch, after the service of Maundy Thursday and/or Good Friday. It remembers the admonition of Jesus to the disciples the night of his arrest ("Could you not watch one hour?" Mark 13:37). Jesus warned his disciples about the coming threat and temptation. The night watch seeks to remind us to be watchful. It also can mean watching the events that unfold the might of Maundy Thursday.
Palms: See "Palm Sunday."
Palm Sunday: The Sunday before Easter. Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. To the cries of "Hosanna!" the people waved palm branches (John 12:12-14). The palm was a symbol of victory.
Passion: The passion
of Jesus is the theme of Holy Week. "No one has greater love than
this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13). Jesus
gives his life to save us from sin and death. He makes the ultimate
sacrifice of his life that we might be given new life.
Passion Narrative: See "Gospel."
Passover: The Feast of the Passover occurs in the spring. It is the foundational story of the Israelites that recalls their slavery in Egypt and God's mighty act of salvation. Moses goes to Egypt to confront Pharaoh over the enslavement of his people. Seven plagues are visited upon the Egyptians to convince Pharaoh to free the people. The last plague strikes dead the first born of all Egypt. The Israelites smear the blood of sacrificed lambs on the doorpost lintels so that the Angel of Death might "pass over" their house and leave them unharmed. This story provides the ground for the liturgy of the Seder and Passover observances today (Exodus 11-12). It is a spring festival.
Paschal: Comes from the Latin and Greek "Pascha" that comes from the Hebrew "Pesach." It referred to the Passover. Christians use it to designate Easter.
Paschal candle: The large candle lit at the Easter Vigil and burns throughout the Eastertide season. It symbolizes Christ the Light who has overcome the darkness of the world.
Peacock: The symbol of immortality taken over from the Romans by the Christians.
Penance: A sinner sought penance in the early Church to be absolved (forgiven) for one's sins. A person use to be enrolled in the order of penitents excluded from Holy Communion and committed to a rigorous course of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. At the end of the period, the person could be restored to full communion within the Church. Penance means "punishment." The early Church developed a doctrine that sins must be atoned for in part by the punishment. It was understood that the Christ's atonement on the Cross brought forgiveness and salvation. However, the individual had to reflect this belief by their life practices. The rite later developed into what we know as "private confession" (the Reconciliation of the Penitent, BCP page 446 ff). During the Reformation, the act of asking for forgiveness, called confession, moved from a private matter to a corporate expression (BCP Prayer of General Confession, pages 331, 360) marked by the Confession of Sin and Absolution.
Peter (Simon, Cephas): Chief among the apostles, or disciples, he is considered the first among the 12 gathered around Jesus. Peter's name meant, "rock." He was a fisherman on Lake Galilee who responded to the call to follow Jesus. It is Peter who will deny Christ three times in the courtyard outside of Jesus' trail (Matthew 27:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18,25-27). Peter later becomes the head of the early Church.
Pharisees: A Jewish religious party, whose name meant, "separated ones." They allowed some interpretation of the law and considered such interpretations to carry as much weight as the Law of Moses. They often represented the landed gentry but had large followings among the people. The Pharisees developed the educational system and synagogue worship. They practiced austerity and loathed the pagan rulers of Israel. The Pharisees were the chief opponents of Jesus. Christ denounced their external keeping of the law, their formalistic percepts, and their self-righteousness.
Pomegranate: Is an Easter symbol. The fruit filled with red seeds that symbolize life, fertility and the empty tomb.
Pilgrimage: A discipline for spiritual people, a pilgrimage is a journey to a holy site(s) to deepen one's faith. Christians make pilgrimages to the Holy Land and early Christian sites. It was on a pilgrimage by a European nun, Egria, that she discovered the observance of Holy Week. Thanks to her early writings, it shaped much of the liturgy we observe today.
Pontus Pilate: The governor of Judea from 26 to 36 CE. He was the ruling Roman military leader. It is before Pilate that Jesus is brought after the trail with the Sanhedrin. The Gospels present him first well disposed towards Jesus, but later gives into the demands of the mob in fear of the actions the crowd might commit. He is remembered in our Creed and Scripture as the one who sentenced Christ to death (Matthew 27:11-26; Mark 15:1-15; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-40). Opinions about him range from a helpless, conflict avoider to a manipulative, calculating despot. Only the Romans had the power to pass a death sentence in Judea at this time.
Promise: The act of assurance by either another person or the divine. The promises made in the OT to David are understood by Christians to have been fulfilled by Jesus Christ. God promises a new covenant, a new relationship with the people of faith. Christians believe the life; death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ have fulfilled it.
Redemption: The saving activity of God manifested in Christ. Humanity is saved, redeemed by the actions of Jesus Christ. It is derived from the notion that a person sold into slavery had the option to buy back their freedom. As Christians, we believe that the Crucifixion of Jesus paid the ransom. Thus we are freed from sin and death and freed to love and serve God.
Repent: The word means to change's one mind, to change direction. In theological terms, repentance is the act of turning away from sin and death and back to God. In the NT, repentance is part of the way we begin to reestablish the link between God and ourselves. It must be a sincere act, "to rend our heart and not our garments (Joel 2:13)." The teaching of John the Baptist called on people to repent of sin and turn to God. He baptized people in the River Jordan, outside of Jerusalem as a sign of their repentance and desire for a renewed relationship with God. Jesus will continue to call on people to repent and seek God. Understood in the teaching of Jesus about repentance is that we are forgiven the moment we request forgiveness. However, this is only the first part in a process of being restored to God. What comes next is "reconciliation" or the desire to act on repentance and seek the forgiveness of those (God or others) from whom we seek forgiveness. Repentance resulted in a new heart, a new mind and a new life.
Resurrection: Every book in the Christian Scriptures (NT) declares or assumes that Jesus Christ arose from the dead. The event took place on the third day (Easter, Sunday morning) after he was crucified on Good Friday. The earthly mission of Jesus ended in the disaster of the Crucifixion. However, the apostles were able to boldly confront Jesus' death and proclaim his Resurrection just a few days and weeks afterwards. NT writers believe Jesus Christ to be the fulfillment of the OT prophecy. The OT spoke of one who would come as God's servant to usher in a new age focused on God. The first Christians believed that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy and that the Crucifixion and Resurrection were part of God's plan to save the world. The Bible proclaims the Resurrection of Jesus; it does not explain how it happens. The accounts in the Gospels speak of some of the women, especially Mary Magdalene, coming to the tomb of Jesus to anoint the dead body and finding it empty (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-11; John 20:1-10). The empty tomb becomes the witness to God's miracle, the raising of Jesus Christ from death. The Resurrection is not reincarnation. The belief is that we too will be raised from the dead because of our baptism in Jesus Christ. The Resurrection becomes the sign that God will not permit death to be the last word for members of the community of faith.
Retreat: The spiritual practice or discipline of removing one's self form the world to be in a place of prayer, meditation and contemplation. It is a common discipline often followed during Lent. The person hopes through the retreat to draw closer to God.
Rooster: The bird that awakens at the early morning with crowing to announce a new day. It is the rooster that crows in the story of Peter's denial and brings him to the awareness of his betrayal of Jesus.
Sacrament: The outward and visible sign of the inward and spiritual grace, given by Jesus Christ as means by which we receive God's grace (BCP 857-8). God's grace is the favor shown us although we are undeserving of it. It is by grace that God forgives us our sins and seeks to restore us to relationship with the Divine. The two principal sacraments are Holy Baptism (BCP page 858) and Holy Eucharist (BCP page 859). The outward sign of baptism is water. The inward grace is union with Jesus Christ and God. The outward sign of communion is the bread and wine. The inward grace is communion with Jesus Christ through his death and sacrifice. The other sacraments, sometimes called sacramental rites are confirmation, ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation of the Penitent and Unction of the Sick.
Sacrifice: The word literally means "slaughter." Sacrifices developed as gifts to God, a way to enter into communion with God and the way to release life for the benefit of God or the person. The gift sacrifices of the OT were thank offerings (for a new child, for recovery of health). The sin sacrifices were the offerings made to atone for sin and restore the relationship between God and the sinner. The sacrifices were necessary to reestablish relationship. In the NT, the question had been brought up that the sacrifices were not working. The death of Jesus will be viewed as the ultimate and last sacrifice needed for restoration between God and humanity. His death will forever provide the opening needed to new life.
Sadducees: A Jewish social and political group in the time of Jesus opposed to the efforts of the Pharisees. They particularly stood for the interest of the priestly aristocrats and the rich. They heavily influenced the Sanhedrin, the religious leaders of the Temple, who would conduct the trial of Jesus.
Sand dollar: A legendary symbol of Good Friday. The five wounds of Jesus appear on it: four nail marks and the mark of the soldier's spear (John 19:34).
Seder: The name of the Passover celebration observed in the homes of Jewish people. It was at the Seder that Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Eucharist during what is known to us as the Last Supper.
Salvation: The purpose of Jesus' ministry was to save us from sin and death. The Gospels record Jesus' work among those who were lost and considered the least of society. Jesus' healing ministry demonstrates his ability to save people from illness. However, they only foreshadow his ultimate act of saving by the Cross and Easter morning. The Christ brings about the salvation of the world by his life, death and resurrection.
Self-denial: The act of denying one's self in order for God to do something new in us. It is a practice during Lent to deny worldly and daily comforts in order to identify with the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. The Christ denied himself in order to win us eternal access to God.
Seven Last Words: According the Gospels, these are the words and phrases spoken by Jesus as he hung on the cross on Good Friday. They often are the focus of a three-hour service in churches and faith communities on Good Friday. The "words" are (1)"My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34); (2) "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34); (3)"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43); (4) "Woman, behold your son!" (John 19:26); (5) "Behold your mother!" (John 19:27); (6) "I thirst." (John 19:28); (7) "It is finished!" (John 19:30).
Simon of Cyrene: The man from the crowd forced to carry the cross of Jesus after he fell on the way to Golgotha (Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26).
Sin: Serious departure from the covenant established with God, moving away from the right way. It is rebellion against God, either in disobedience or assuming that one is a god. All life for the Hebrew was caught up in covenant (I will be your God and you will be my people). Sin denoted the diseased soul. It is the willful turning away from God to pursue other things. It was the function of the Law to expose sin and compel the people to confess and repent. Sin fractures both the person's relationship with God and others. Jesus Christ overcomes sin with his life, death and Resurrection.
Shrove Tuesday: It is the day before Ash Wednesday and Lent. It was the custom of early Christians to consume all milk, eggs and fat in the house since these items were not eaten during the Lenten fast. Shrove comes from the word "shriven" which means to confess. It remembers the ancient practice of receiving absolution after confession of sins. Grace Church's EYC hosts a pancake supper every Shrove Tuesday as a fundraiser for their activities.
Stations of the Cross: Also know as the Way of the Cross, the Stations began in the Holy Land as a series of devotions along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow). Fourteen stations reflect upon the last day of Jesus' life through his Crucifixion and death. Several of the 14 stations are found in Holy Scripture and the others come to us from traditions. Many parishes have artwork on the Church walls depicting the stations. Every Friday night during Lent, Grace Church reads the Way of the Cross.
Stripping the Altar: See "Maundy Thursday."
Suffering: The uncomfortable state of being people find himself or herself in because of disease, sin or evil. Suffering is the consequence of our inability to maintain the covenantal relationship with God. It is the direct result of our failing to seek and embrace God. Jesus is said to have suffered on the cross because of our sins.
Sunday: The Christian day of worship is known as "little Easter" recalling the Resurrection of Jesus the third day after his death. It is observed as a feast day.
Ten Commandments: Otherwise known as "The Law", given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai as the format for the covenant between God and the people. It is found in the OT (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21). Paul says in the NT that we were under the custody of the law until Jesus came. Jesus summarized the law into "love God, love others and love yourself." During Lent, we use the Penitential Office on Sundays during the beginning of the service to read the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments.
Tenebrae: A monastic office of readings and music based on the Lamentations of Jeremiah. It is often kept on Wednesday night of Holy Week (found in the Book of Occasional Services). It was a Good Friday service that accented the coming darkness of Good Friday.
Tomb: Joseph of Arimathea secured the body of Jesus for burial after the Crucifixion. He placed the body in his own tomb. In the Holy Land, such tombs were either natural caves or carved out of stone hillside caves. The dead were placed in the tombs and attended to by family after death.
Trial: Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin to stand trial. He was accused of blasphemy by Caiaphas, the high priest (Matthew 26:57ff; Mark 15:53ff; Luke 22:54ff; John 18:12ff). A charge against a Jew must have two witnesses agreeing in order for a guilty verdict. However, when Jesus confessed to being the Son of God, they convicted him on the spot. The Sanhedrin was unable to sentence death because they were an occupied country. Therefore, Jesus was sent before Pontus Pilate to stand trial. At first, Pilate found no charge to warrant death. However, the religious leaders pressed the issue and accused Jesus of treason and insurrection. Pilate also had Jesus brought before Herod for trial. The result of the scene before the crowd is that the religious and political leaders come to sentence Jesus to death. Pilate has Jesus scourged (severely beaten) then crucified.
Veronica: A woman of Jerusalem according to legend (there is no Biblical account) offered her head-cloth to the Lord to wipe the blood from his face on his way to Calvary. He returned it with His features impressed upon it. The incident now occupies a position in the Stations of the Cross.
Vestments: Along with church hangings, vestments are the clothing and symbols of the early Church. Their colors help the parish to know what season they Church is observing. The clergy wear an alb (white robe) tied with a cincture (rope belt). The stole (scarf) is worn around the neck. Priests wear a chasuble (cape) during the Holy Eucharist. Lay readers, choir members and acolytes wear a cassock (black or red robe) with a white cotta (blouse). The garments are traditions from the medieval church.
Via Dolorosa: See Stations of the Cross.
Victory: Biblical faith maintained that divine retribution would come to those who oppressed and killed the people of God. Victory was seen as security, ease and vindication. The NT sees this lived out through Jesus Christ. The Crucifixion and Resurrection were the signs of Christ's victory over the powers of evil, sin and death. The Christian believes that these forces will never again have permanent control of our souls.
Way of the Cross: See Stations of the Cross.
Wilderness: Another name for the desert area common in the Holy Land. Jesus was led out into it for 40 days and tempted by the devil. Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years. It was believed that pilgrimages into the wilderness took away the creature comforts of a person allowing for religious and spiritual revelation.
Winding Sheet: Jews were buried in a cloth or winding sheet during the time of Jesus. It was wrapped around the body before it was laid in the tomb. This most likely was the linen cloth used to bury Jesus. It is draped over the arms of crosses during Lent to remind us of burial.
Zealots: The Jewish
party of revolt in Jesus' time. They provided armed insurrection against
the Romans.
Resources: The Bible; The Book of Common Prayer; Joseph Russell's "The
New Prayer Book Guide to Christian Education"; F. L. Cross's "The
Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church; John Bradner's "Symbols
of Church Seasons & Days"; Alan Richardson's "A Theological
Word Book of the Bible"; W. Ellwood Post's "Saints, Signs
& Symbols."
