Word to the Wise
Saturday, April 3, 2021 - 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 24:1-12,58]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. For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. [Romans]
SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2021 HOLY SATURDAY - THE EASTER VIGIL
[Genesis 1:1-2:2: Exodus 14:15-15:1; Isaiah 55:1-11; Romans 6:3-11; Mark 16:1-7. There are other scriptures from the Old Testament, but the three I have listed are required even if the others may be omitted to shorten a long evening!]
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. For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. [Romans]
Two things have always stood out for me at the Easter Vigil. The first is the lighting and blessing of the Easter candle. The second is the faith and joy of those who are baptized, confirmed and receive First Communion on this occasion. I once asked a high school student who came to me for instruction to become a Catholic (before the RCIA had really developed) why he was doing this. He responded, "I'm reaching for the light!" This brings the light of the Easter candle and the faith of the candidates together in one simple sentence!
St. Paul's words from his Letter to the Romans speaks to the central meaning of what takes place at baptism (and the Easter Vigil).. We are united with Christ in his death and resurrection so that we might live according to his teachings. Seeing our brothers and sisters make this commitment on their own can be a dramatic reminder to us "cradle Catholics" of what we can easily take for granted.
Multiple candidates can make for a long ceremony. Thus, many avoid attending the Vigil. I urge my Beloved Congregation to at least read the scriptures assigned, especially the ones given above, and understand the power of God's grace that has moved the candidates to "reach for the light." AMEN
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