Easter 2025 Lectionary plays a crucial role in the observance of Easter within the Episcopal Church and other denominations that follow the Revised Common Lectionary. This guide will explore the specific readings and liturgical services associated with Easter 2025 Date, providing insights into the spiritual significance of this pivotal season in the Christian calendar.
Understanding the Lectionary
The lectionary is a systematic plan for reading through the Bible in worship. It ensures that congregations are exposed to a broad spectrum of Scripture over a three-year cycle. The Easter 2025 Lectionary falls within Year C of this cycle, beginning with the Easter Vigil and continuing through the Easter season. It usually gets read on 7th Sunday of Easter.
Key Dates and Readings
Easter Vigil (March 31, 2025)
The Easter Vigil marks the beginning of the Easter celebration. The readings for the Easter Vigil in 2025 include a series of Old Testament passages that recount God’s saving deeds in history, along with New Testament readings that proclaim the resurrection of Christ. The key readings are:
- Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26
- Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13 and Psalm 46
- Genesis 22:1-18 and Psalm 16
- Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 and Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18
- Isaiah 55:1-11 and Isaiah 12:2-6
- Baruch 3:9-15, 3:32-4:4 or Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6 and Psalm 19
- Ezekiel 36:24-28 and Psalm 42, 43
- Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Psalm 143
- Zephaniah 3:14-20 and Psalm 98
- Romans 6:3-11 and Psalm 114
Easter Sunday (April 1, 2025)
On Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated with great joy and triumph. The readings focus on the resurrection narrative and its implications for believers:
- Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 25:6-9
- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or Acts 10:34-43
- John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8
Subsequent Sundays of Easter
Each Sunday during the Easter season continues to highlight the themes of resurrection, renewal, and the growth of the early Christian church.
Second Sunday of Easter (April 7, 2025)
- Acts 4:32-35
- Psalm 133
- 1 John 1:1-2:2
- John 20:19-31
Third Sunday of Easter (April 14, 2025)
- Acts 3:12-19
- Psalm 4
- 1 John 3:1-7
- Luke 24:36b-48
Fourth Sunday of Easter (April 21, 2025)
- Acts 4:5-12
- Psalm 23
- 1 John 3:16-24
- John 10:11-18
Fifth Sunday of Easter (April 28, 2025)
- Acts 8:26-40
- Psalm 22:25-31
- 1 John 4:7-21
- John 15:1-8
Sixth Sunday of Easter (May 5, 2025)
- Acts 10:44-48
- Psalm 98
- 1 John 5:1-6
- John 15:9-17
Ascension of the Lord (May 9, 2025)
The Ascension of the Lord, celebrated 40 days after Easter, commemorates Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The readings for this day include:
- Acts 1:1-11
- Psalm 47 or Psalm 93
- Ephesians 1:15-23
- Luke 24:44-53
Seventh Sunday of Easter (May 12, 2025)
- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
- Psalm 1
- 1 John 5:9-13
- John 17:6-19
Day of Pentecost (May 19, 2025)
The Easter season concludes with the Day of Pentecost, which celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. The readings are:
- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14
- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
- Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21
- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15