Word to the Wise
Saturday, April 8, 2023 - 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. [Romans] "Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.' Behold, I have told you."
The celebration of the Easter Vigil has become associated with the baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist of adults who are entering the Catholic church. The service, however, begins with the dramatic blessing of the Easter candle, signifying the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This beautiful ceremony is followed by seven readings from the Old Testament, then the epistle and gospel scriptures. Then the homily and baptism and confirmation rites take place. This does make for a long ceremony which unfortunately discourages attendance by many folks. [It is permissible to use only the first, third and fifth Old Testament scriptures, which focus on water imagery, in keeping with the baptismal emphasis.] The happiness of those who receive baptism, confirmation and Eucharist makes it a worthwhile pastoral event, but the resurrection of Jesus can get lost in the abundance of symbols!
The epistle scripture from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans connects baptism with Jesus' death and resurrection from the dead. All of us who have been baptized have been identified with Jesus' saving death and resurrection. It is more than a present event as the scripture readings make clear. We become identified with the entire history of God's plan of salvation. Furthermore, like the women at the tomb and the disciples gathered on the mountain in Galilee, we are commissioned to tell the world about God's plan of salvation: CHRIST IS RISEN! ALLELUIA! This is a far more significant proclamation than "Happy Easter!" And when we hear it, our response can be: HE IS RISEN, INDEED! ALLELUIA! AMEN!
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