Word to the Wise
Saturday, April 23, 2011 - Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter - ABC
[Use at least three, or up to seven readings from the OT, but always include #3: 1) Gen 1:1-2:2 or 1, 26-31a 2) Gen 22:1-18 or 1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 3) Exod 14:15-15:1 4) Isa 54:5-14 5) Isa 55:1-11 6) Bar 3:9-15, 32-4:4 7) Ezek 36:16-17a, 18-28; NT Reading: Rom 6:3-11 Response after the Epistle: Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 [refrain: triple Alleluia""]"; Gospels for Years A, B, C: A- Matt 28:1-10 B- Mark 16:1-7 C- Luke 24:1-12]Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. [Romans]
One of the most powerful instruments for good in the Church developed after the Second Vatican Council. The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) has become a part of the life of the vast majority of parishes in this country! My own experience and that of those who form the teams required to do a good job of this has been one of constant inspiration. Those who come to the church in this way are not, as I am, "cradle Catholics" but individuals who choose to be Catholic and wish to attain that "newness of life" that St. Paul speaks of so eloquently! In fact, at the parish missions I preach around this country, those words of St. Paul are the first scripture for the first service. It is baptism that is the foundation of our participation in the life of the Body of Christ, the church. The stories of faith that one hears in the RCIA process are truly edifying. But all of us, by baptism, become identified with Christ and form the Body of Christ! This has powerful implications that we tend to take for granted.
The RCIA program has had one unfortunate consequence, however. In parishes where there are large programs, the amount of time required to baptize and confirm the new members causes many of those who are not connected with them by friendship or kinship to avoid the Easter Vigil! The comment I hear is: "It takes too long!" Some pastors, wisely omit several of the seven readings to help with this difficulty, but the sad reality is that many miss the powerful witness of baptism, the blessing of the new fire and the Easter Candle and the wonderful scriptures that testify to God's plan of salvation for us all. On Easter Sunday morning, all that richness is somehow reduced to the Profession of Faith and a sprinkling with holy water!
I urge my Beloved Congregation to attend the Easter Vigil, but I realize the challenge it may present. So, a "second best" is to find a misalet or missal and read the scriptures that precede the Mass, starting with the wonderful "creation account" in Genesis. I urge you to pray for all those who become members of the Church this Easter, and join with them in the Easter Proclamation: HE IS RISEN! ALLELUIA!" To all my Beloved Congregation I wish a blessed and holy Easter celebration. AMEN
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