Universal Utterings

for April 23, 2025

A Godcast

UniversalUtterings.Com

04-23-25 The Easter Sequence

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Victimae Paschali Laudes

Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems;
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.

"Victimae Paschali Laudes" is a renowned Sequence chant that holds a prominent place in the Roman Catholic liturgy during the Easter season. Attributed to Wipo of Burgundy in the 11th century, this beautiful hymn is sung after the Alleluia before the Gospel during the Easter Vigil and on Easter Sunday. It expresses the joy and triumph of Christ's resurrection, serving as a poignant reminder of the core belief of Christianity—the victory of life over death.

The term "Sequence" in the liturgical context refers to a specific type of hymn that was originally associated with the custom of chanting in a free rhythm after the Alleluia in the Mass. Sequences, characterized by their poetic structure and often emotional content, were utilized to enhance the liturgical experience. While many Sequences were composed throughout history, "Victimae Paschali Laudes" stands out for both its theological depth and its liturgical significance, making it a beloved fixture in Easter celebrations.

The Catholic Church specifically shares this chant during Easter because it encapsulates the central theme of the Easter season: the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of Christian hope and redemption. The rhythm and joyful language of "Victimae Paschali Laudes" resonate with the joyous nature of the celebration, marking the transition from the somber tone of Lent to the celebratory spirit of Easter. Its exclusive use during this time reinforces the importance of the resurrection in the Christian faith, making it not just a historical event, but a profound mystery that is celebrated and commemorated annually. Through "Victimae Paschali Laudes," the Church invites the faithful to rejoice in the salvation brought about by Christ's resurrection. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen. Day three Pope Francis

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

04-23-2025 Victimae Paschali Laudes

**The Sequence Poem**

In Easter morn, the light divine,

A triumph's song, the heart's design,

Of Christ who rose, death's chains unbound,

In joyous hymns, His love resounds.

The Lamb of God, in glory bright,

Who takes our sins, dispels the night,

A feast of grace, our spirits soar,

In gratitude, we sing once more.

The stone now rolled, the tomb laid bare,

The angel’s voice, His victory declared,

“Rejoice, O faithful, for He has won!”

A promise kept, new life begun.

With alleluias, the heavens ring,

Creation dances, praises sing,

In unity, we lift our plea,

For love eternal, wild and free.

O slain and risen, glorious King,

In every heart Your peace we bring,

Wipo of Burgundy penned the Victimae Paschali to let us raise,

Our Easter joy, in endless praise. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

April 23, 2025 @ 04:53 AM EST

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