Word to the Wise
Saturday, March 26, 2016 - 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 24:1-12,233]Are you unaware thatwe 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]
Although the celebration of the Easter Vigil is meant to be one of the resurrection of the Lord, the centerpiece of the celebration in recent years has been the part where new members are welcomed into the Church. They include those who have never been baptized, those who were baptized in other Christian denominations and those who were baptized Catholic but were either never raised in the faith or whose faith and practice have lapsed for some years. This is a joyful moment, but when added to the considerable time required by the scripture readings, the ceremony can easily go two hours or more. This means that many of the faithful avoid the event and deny themselves some powerful symbols and witnesses to faith.
St. Paul's words (quoted above) about baptism are very important. We who are "cradle Catholics" tend to see baptism as something in the past, almost like measles - a one time event that was endured and gives some kind of immunity. But baptism is a present reality like breathing. It is what gives us the breath of the Spirit and identifies us with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The lighting of the new fire, the scriptural banquet, the joyful admission of new members and the celebration of the Eucharist ("Do this in memory of me.") make for a profound celebration of all that Christian faith professes.
Even if one doesn't feel that the long service is a possible option (small children, poor health, etc.) one could take the misalet and a candle, light the candle and pray the Easter Proclamation ("Exultet") prayer at home. The words, "This is the night...." can ring in our faith's memory. Then the resumption of the ALLELUIA makes perfect sense. We are all baptized into Christ and are called to proclaim that to the world. AMEN
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