EASTER VIGIL
THE READINGS
1. Genesis 1:1-2:2 and Psalm 104
2. Genesis 22:1-18 and Psalm 16
3. Exodus 14:15-15: and Psalm: Exod.15
4. Isaiah 54:5-14 and Psalm 30
5. Isaiah 55:1-11 and Psalm: Isaiah:12
6. Baruch 3:9-15.32-4:4 and Psalm 19
7. Ezekiel 36:16-17a.18-28 and Psalm:42
8. Romans 6:3-11 and Psalm:118
9. John 24:1-12
The ancient ceremonies of the Easter Vigil go right back to the earliest days of the Church. In this Vigil of all vigils, Christ is present with us as the Paschal light and lamb as he was in the upper room on the first Easter Day, and so many occasions when he made His apparitions to His disciples.
The readings begins with the creation story; of how God created the world and meant it for good, of our sin came into this world , and ends with the resurrection story; of how Christ came into this world to redeem all mankind from sin and to reconcile us with our Heavenly Father.
In other words, with Christ’s resurrection Creation attains its fulfillment in salvation. By his death and Resurrection life is gained and earth is renewed. By the power of his resurrection there is light and the end of the tunnel. When the light of the world died the darkness covered the sky but when he rose from the dead he reigns forever and his kingdom will have no end.
The risen Lord is still drawing countless souls to Himself and tonight is a living proof of the Lord’s abiding power of attraction. Christ is the magnet of souls, and His resurrection is the unquenchable fountain of that divine power which He alone possesses. He created us and knows everything about us therefore we must become intimate with him every time and everyday all through our lives.
As we prepare to welcome Jesus under the roof of our heart in the Eucharist, may Christ who rose from the tomb breathe upon us His life-giving and consoling Spirit and may He shed his peaceful light upon us all. Amen.
Happy Easter Celebration!
Fr. J OSJ
