Episode 2035: The Resurrected Life: Reflections on Quasimodo Sunday

What many forget is that until Christ’s suffering death and resurrection the world was ruled by Satan.
Luke 4:5-8
"The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, 'I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.' Jesus answered, 'It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.''
Then:
Matthew 28:18-20,
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
In this passage, Jesus asserts his authority over both heaven and earth, indicating that all authority has been given to him. This can be seen as a contrast to Satan's claim during the temptation in the desert. Instead of seeking power through worship of Satan, Jesus claims ultimate authority as the risen Lord.
This was a huge shift of power wasn’t it? That’s why we are so fortunate to exist after his resurrection and the starting of his church here on earth.
Now we reflect on the profound significance of Quasimodo Sunday and Low Sunday, also known as Dominica in Albis, as we contemplate the rich mercy of God revealed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Quasimodo Sunday, the Sunday after Easter, derives its name from the Latin phrase "Quasi modo geniti infantes," which means "Like newborn infants." It draws its significance from the opening words of the Introit for the day, taken from 1 Peter 2:2, which reads, "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation."
This imagery of newborn infants evokes the idea of spiritual rebirth and renewal, symbolizing our incorporation into the mystical body of Christ through baptism. On this day, we are reminded of the profound reality of our new life in Christ, made possible by His resurrection from the dead. Just as newborn infants hunger for nourishment, so too are we called to hunger for the spiritual milk of God's Word and sacraments, which sustain and nourish our souls on our journey of faith.
Let's break down Ephesians 2:4-7 from a traditional Catholic perspective:
Ephesians 2:4-7
"But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."

"But God, who is rich in mercy": This opening phrase highlights the fundamental attribute of God's character – His rich and abundant mercy. In Catholic theology, mercy is understood as God's compassionate love and forgiveness towards sinners, extending beyond what is deserved or merited. This mercy is a reflection of God's infinite goodness and love for His creation.

"Out of the great love with which he loved us": The mercy of God is intimately connected with His love for humanity. God's love is not passive but active, demonstrated through His willingness to extend mercy to us despite our sinful nature. This love is most fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, who, out of love for humanity, willingly laid down His life for our salvation.
"Even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ": This verse underscores the transformative power of God's mercy and grace. Despite our spiritual deadness due to sin, God, in His mercy, offers us new life through Jesus Christ. Through the sacrament of baptism, Catholics believe that we are spiritually reborn and united with Christ in His death and resurrection, thus sharing in His new life.
"(by grace you have been saved)": Salvation is not something we can earn through our own efforts but is a gift freely given by God's grace. In Catholic theology, grace is understood as the supernatural assistance and favor bestowed upon us by God, enabling us to respond to His call and live a life of holiness.

"and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus": Through our union with Christ, we are raised up from our fallen state and seated with Him in heavenly places. This speaks to the mystical reality of our participation in the divine life of God, made possible through the grace of Christ. As members of the Body of Christ, we share in His exaltation and glory.
"that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus": The ultimate purpose of God's mercy and grace is to manifest His glory and goodness throughout all eternity. Through His kindness and grace, God reveals the depths of His love for us and invites us to share in His divine life forever.
In summary, Ephesians 2:4-7 beautifully encapsulates the core teachings of the Catholic faith regarding God's mercy, love, grace, and salvation through Jesus Christ. It reminds us of the incredible gift of new life we have received through Christ's sacrifice and invites us to respond with gratitude and faithfulness.
Quasimodo Sunday also holds a special significance in the liturgical calendar as it marks the end of the octave of Easter, a period of eight days of joyful celebration commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It serves as a bridge between the Easter season and the rest of the liturgical year, inviting us to carry the Easter joy and hope with us as we continue our journey of discipleship.
As we reflect on the readings for Quasimodo Sunday, particularly the passage from Ephesians 2:4-7, we are reminded of the immeasurable riches of God's grace and mercy poured out upon us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Despite our unworthiness and sinfulness, God, who is rich in mercy, has brought us to life with Christ, raising us up and seating us with Him in the heavenly realms.
This reality is further emphasized on Low Sunday, also known as Dominica in Albis, which falls on the Sunday after Easter. The name "Dominica in Albis" is derived from the tradition of newly baptized Christians wearing white garments, or "albs," symbolizing their purity and innocence in Christ.
On this day, we continue to rejoice in the triumph of Christ over sin and death, as we gather as a community of faith to celebrate the resurrection and partake in the Eucharistic banquet. It serves as a reminder that the resurrection is not merely an event of the past but a present reality that transforms our lives and gives us hope for the future.
As traditional Catholics, let us embrace the resurrected life with joy and gratitude, recognizing the depth of God's mercy and love revealed to us in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. May Quasimodo Sunday and Low Sunday inspire us to live as new creations in Christ, radiating His love and mercy to the world around us.
Thank you for joining me on "Embracing the Resurrected Life." May the hope and joy of the resurrection continue to guide and sustain you on your path of discipleship. Until next time, may God's grace and peace be with you always. Now go out and convert somebody.