Eastertide Season Sundays

Much like the named Sundays of Lent, that precede Easter, each Sunday after Easter leading up to Pentecost carries a traditional name and theological focus, especially in the historic Western Church (including Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic traditions). These names often derive from the Latin incipits (first words) of the Introit or other parts of the liturgy appointed for that Sunday. Easter does not end until after Pentecost!

Here is a list of these Sundays, their formal names, and a brief description of their significance:

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1. The First Sunday after Easter

Name: Quasimodo Geniti Sunday
Meaning: “Like newborn babes” (from 1 Peter 2:2)
Significance: Focuses on the new birth through the Word and Sacraments. It is often called “Low Sunday” as it follows the high feast of Easter and introduces the theme of spiritual renewal in Christ.

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2. The Second Sunday after Easter

Name: Misericordias Domini Sunday
Meaning: “The mercies of the Lord” (from Psalm 33:5)
Significance: Also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, this day centers on Christ as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10). It emphasizes care, guidance, and the sacrificial love of Christ.

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3. The Third Sunday after Easter

Name: Jubilate Sunday
Meaning: “Shout for joy” (from Psalm 66:1)
Significance: A Sunday of joy in the midst of trial. The readings often speak of sorrow turning to joy and reflect the Christian hope amid suffering.

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4. The Fourth Sunday after Easter

Name: Cantate Sunday
Meaning: “Sing to the Lord” (from Psalm 98:1)
Significance: Emphasizes singing a new song to the Lord because of His salvation. The Church rejoices in the continued presence of Christ through the Word and Spirit.

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5. The Fifth Sunday after Easter

Name: Rogate Sunday
Meaning: “Ask” or “Pray” (from John 16:24)
Significance: Traditionally begins the “Rogation Days” — days of prayer and supplication. The focus is on prayer and the promise that God hears and answers.

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6. The Sixth Sunday after Easter

Name: Exaudi Sunday
Meaning: “Hear, O Lord” (from Psalm 27:7)
Significance: It is the Sunday after the Ascension, a day of waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. It reflects the Church’s yearning for the Lord’s presence and fulfillment of His promises.

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The Feast of the Ascension (40 Days after Easter, always on a Thursday)

Significance: Celebrates Christ's ascension into heaven, His enthronement, and the beginning of His heavenly intercession. It marks the transition from His earthly ministry to His exalted reign.

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Pentecost (50 Days after Easter)

Name: The Feast of Pentecost or Whitsunday
Meaning: “Fiftieth day”
Significance: Commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles (Acts 2). It is considered the “birthday” of the Church and the beginning of her mission to the world.