“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.” Matthew
28:5–7
The Lord has truly risen! Alleluia! Sin and death have been
destroyed, and new life has been offered to all who cling to the
Savior in faith. What a glorious day we celebrate today!
Matthew’s Gospel, quoted above, is read at the Easter Vigil Mass.
Prior to the reading of this Gospel are seven Old Testament
readings, each followed by a psalm, as well as a New Testament
reading, another psalm and the Gospel. There are seventeen readings
in all at the Easter Vigil! For that reason, the Easter Vigil is
called “the mother of all vigils.” Though many people have not had
the opportunity to participate in the Easter Vigil, it is helpful
to understand it, because its structure and length reflect the awe
and wonder we must have at the Resurrection of Christ.
The Easter Vigil Mass begins in darkness, after the sun sets, with
all the lights out in the Church. Outside, a new “blazing fire” is
lit and blessed that symbolizes the Light of Christ that dispels
all darkness. From that fire, the Easter candle and other candles
held by the faithful in the church are lit, and the new light
illuminates the church. The procession into the church with the
candles is followed by the singing of the ancient hymn the
Exaultat. That hymn is the Church’s announcement of the
Resurrection of Christ and is filled with profound theology,
presented with youthful excitement and amazement. The tabernacle
remains empty as a way of inviting the faithful to anticipate the
celebration of the Eucharist once again. The lengthy Liturgy of the
Word follows, as it recounts the history of God’s plan of
salvation. Finally, the Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated
within the Mass that culminates with the celebration of the Most
Holy Eucharist.
Why is so much solemnity given to this celebration? Because Easter
is worth it! Nothing ever has been and nothing ever will be more
glorious than the triumph of the Son of God over sin and death.
Easter must fill us with awe and wonder. Because of His death and
Resurrection, our lives are changed forever. Therefore even if you
are not able to participate in the “mother of all vigils,” try to
learn the lessons this vigil teaches.
Among the many lessons we can learn from the Easter Vigil is that
God’s glorious plan of salvation unfolds over time and then
culminates with glory beyond imagination. This is especially
depicted through the many readings in the Liturgy of the Word. The
first reading for that Mass comes from Genesis and recounts the six
days of creation. We then read the story of Abraham, our father in
faith, and how his trust in God was tested when he was told to
offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice, in a prefiguration of the
Father in Heaven offering His only Son for us all. We then read the
story of Moses leading the people out of Egypt from slavery through
the Red Sea. The waters of the Red Sea are a symbol of Baptism that
crushes sin and leads us to freedom. Readings from the prophets
Isaiah, Baruch and Ezekiel follow, revealing the unfolding of God’s
promise of the gift of salvation to come.
At times in life, we can become impatient. We tend to want what we
want when we want it. But the lesson of the Holy Scriptures is that
God’s plan is not only perfect but is also fulfilled only in accord
with God’s timing. This is His perfect wisdom. It’s a wisdom that
we cannot always comprehend. In the end, if we embrace the perfect
plan of God in our lives, we will share in the Resurrection of
Christ. Nothing could ever be better than this. There is nothing
that this world can offer us that even comes close to the glorious
reward of sharing in the Resurrection of Christ.
As we celebrate the great Solemnity of Easter, reflect, today, upon
the fact that God’s plan for your life is perfect. It’s a plan that
God wants to unfold for you one step at a time. The end result is
the glory of the Resurrection! It’s a life of perfection with Him
in Heaven when every tear will be wiped away. It’s a plan that
removes every sin, sorrow and suffering, and leads you to the
fullness of joy. The way to embrace that plan is to take one step
at a time as God leads. Little by little, God wants to change you,
free you, forgive you, strengthen you and set you on the path to
glory. Believe in the most awe-inspiring glory that you could ever
share in. Believe in the promise of the Resurrection. Make sharing
in it your one and only goal in life, and let God lead you down
that path, one step at a time.
My resurrected Lord, the glory that we celebrate today, the
glory of Your Resurrection, is far above anything I can imagine.
The new life given to all who surrender their lives to You is
glorious and awe-inspiring. Please help me to keep my mind and
heart fixated upon this glorious promise and to always allow You to
lead me toward it, one step at a time. Jesus, I trust in
You.
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Featured image above: The three women on the tomb of Christ
by Irma Martin, via Wikipedia
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