Catholic Dads

I posted a piece on my blog about some of the eastern Churches moving (perhaps and slowly) toward acknowledging the Roman Pontiff as “prime.”  In response, a commenter directed the reader to a site formulating a petition to various “denominations” seeking uniformity on the day that Easter is celebrated each year.  According to the site:

Why Vote to Celebrate Easter all in one date?

Simply, because as one Christian family we are divided on this matter and our division is a sin. When we cannot agree to celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection on the same day, how can we hope to be a sign of Peace and Unity to the world?

‘I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.’ (1 Cor 1:10 RSV)

“But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth”(Lk 11:17 AKJV)

‘I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.’ (Jn 17:20 – 21 RSV)

‘Whoever knows what is right to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.’ (James 4:17 RSV)

You can read my responses but here are my points:

1. The date for Easter has, since the earliest days of the Church, been calculated by celestial movements.  Specifically, it is calculated as the first Sunday following the first full moon following the Vernal (Spring) Equinox in the northern hemisphere. It therefore is a “movable” feast date.  (A great read that in part discusses this is The Sun in the Church by Heilbron.) 
2. Given the above, the issue cannot be determined by a “vote” of the faithful.  There is nothing to petition for.
3. The different dates of celebration of Easter is a symptom of a much deeper division.  The various dates reflect merely one issue that has arisen when different groups have removed themselves from the Church that Christ has ordained.

Any comments? 

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