April 20, 2019 - Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil
May you continue to celebrate the Shalom of the Risen Lord in your life and may that empower you to be faithful witnesses of the relationship GOD has re-established with all of humanity through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
As we transition from the death of Jesus to the nothingness of Saturday, to the joy of the Lord Jesus’ rising, we see a glimpse of our own transition from earthly existence to the joyful, heavenly relationship with GOD for all eternity. Jesus has provided the Way for us to move into the fullness of life which awaits us with GOD, since Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us continue to celebrate our renewed relationship with the GOD Who is the relationship of Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
May you continue to celebrate the Shalom of the Risen Lord in your life and may that empower you to be faithful witnesses of the relationship GOD has re-established with all of humanity through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
As we transition from the death of Jesus to the nothingness of Saturday, to the joy of the Lord Jesus’ rising, we see a glimpse of our own transition from earthly existence to the joyful, heavenly relationship with GOD for all eternity. Jesus has provided the Way for us to move into the fullness of life which awaits us with GOD, since Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us continue to celebrate our renewed relationship with the GOD Who is the relationship of Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042019.cfm
Saint Conrad of Parzham: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-conrad-of-parzham/
Readings for the Easter Vigil: I. (Genesis 1:1--2:2; Ps 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35); II. (Genesis 22:1-18; Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11); III. (Exodus 14:15--15:1; Ex 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18); IV. (Isaiah 54:5-14; Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13); V. (Isaiah 55:1-11; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6); VI. (Baruch 3:9-15, 32--4:4; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11); VII. (Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28; Ps 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4); VIII. (Romans 6:3-11; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23); Gospel: Mark 16:1-7)
Today (Holy Saturday) is a day of nothingness. During the day time, liturgically speaking in the mainline church tradition, nothing happens. It is a day of sorrow, a day for reflection. It is a day between the death of Jesus (GOoD Friday) and His Resurrection (Easter). There are no readings for Saturday because in the Catholic tradition, nothing happens on this day.
Things change when the sun sets and, according to Jewish and Christian tradition, Sunday begins. In the darkness which begins Sunday (Saturday night after sunset), Christians assemble to keep a vigil for the Lord Jesus. We reflect on the story of salvation, from the beginning of the world to the third day after Jesus’ death. We wait in hopeful anticipation that the Lord Jesus will keep His promise and rise. We look forward to new life, not just for Jesus, but also for all believers, especially those who will be welcomed into the Christian community on this vigil above all vigils, this liturgical celebration which surpasses all liturgical celebrations.
Within the Catholic and other mainline Christian traditions, the Easter Vigil is different from any other liturgical celebration. The service has four parts: 1) The Liturgy of Fire; 2) The Liturgy of the Word; 3) The Liturgy of Water and Baptism and Initiation; 4) The Liturgy of the Eucharist. (Some services will reverse the order of the first two parts.)
In the darkness at the beginning of this vigil service, a fire in enkindled. It is the Light of the Risen Christ. From this new fire, the Paschal (also called “Easter” or “Christ”) Candle is lit. The Light of Christ is carried in procession into the darkened church.
As the Light of Christ is welcomed into the darkened church, each participant has her/his candle lit from the Paschal Candle. Soon, all are enlightened by the Light of Risen Lord. Joyfully the Exsultet is sung as all stand in the Light of Christ. The Exsultet is a hymn to the Risen Lord. It speaks of the necessary sin of Adam which led to the promise of a Redeemer. It proclaims the fulfillment of Hebrew scriptures in the coming of Jesus, the Light, the Life of the World. [For the words of the Exsultet click the following link: (the left column is the Latin text, the middle column is the new translation and the right column is the older English translation): http://wdtprs.com/blog/2012/04/a-side-by-side-look-at-exsultet-texts/]
In the second part of the celebration – the Liturgy of the Word – the assembled faith community listens to their history being retold. Just like the Israelites retold, remembered, and relived (zikaron) their story (Haggadah) each Passover, we tell our story – GOD’s story. We make present the events related in the story. We see GOD’s plan at work as the story is told. The story of salvation consists of seven readings (each with a responsorial and a prayer) from Hebrew scripture. (For pastoral reasons, these seven readings can be reduced to a minimum of three [# I. and # III and one of the readings from the Prophets.]). These readings tell our story, beginning with GOD’s creation of the world until the final promise of a savior. (I will reflect briefly on each of these readings following the description of the Easter Vigil.)
After hearing our story as summarized in Hebrew scripture, we joyfully proclaim the Glory to GOD, with bells ringing, as we transition to the Christian scriptures and the continued story of our salvation. Although the lights could be turned on earlier, some wait until this time in the Vigil. It is then that the full splendor of the church is demonstrated as all lights are turned on and flowers and decorations become visible. We hear St. Paul’s words summarizing the whole paschal mystery: our dying with the suffering Christ, so that we might share in the life of the Risen Christ. Joyously the A-word is sung for the first time in over 40 days. Alleluia is the word which proclaims “Praise to the LORD” Who is now risen and living among us. This joyous word is called the Resurrection Word. The Gospel of the Lord Jesus’ resurrection is then proclaimed. This year, the Gospel is from St. Mark.
The Liturgy of Water and Baptism begins with asking the Holy Ones (Saints), who have proceeded us into the glory of the Reign of GOD, to join us as we prepare to invoke GOD’s blessing on the new water of Baptism and welcome new members into our Christian community.
We recall how water has had such a powerful position in our, or rather GOD’s, salvation history: from the waters of creation, to the waters of the Flood, to the waters of the Red Sea, to the waters of the River Jordan. Water has been a sign of change from death to life. The Paschal Candle of Risen Lord Jesus is placed into the waters and the Holy Spirit is breathed into the water as we ask GOD to bless the water which will bring new life to those who are plunged (baptizo) and washed in the water. A profession of faith is asked first of those who will be joining the Christian community and then of the community as a whole. We recommit ourselves to turning away from sin and evil and the deepening of our relationship with the GOD Who is Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Those who are asking to be a part of this Christian relationship are then called to the waters of baptism and are “plunged” (baptizo) into the water where they die to sin and are raised to the new life with the Risen Lord Jesus. They are then clothed with a white garment to show their putting on Christ. They are given their own candles which are lit from the Paschal Candle of the Risen Lord to symbolize they have been enlightened by Christ and are to walk as children of the Light. In receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, the newly baptized are then strengthened and confirmed by the Holy Spirit using Chrism, the oil of dedication, the oil of the Anointed One, the Christ.
The final part of the Great Vigil is the celebration of Eucharist. We continue to “eucharistize” (give thanks to) GOD the Abba-Father by remembering (re-enacting - zikaron) Jesus’ giving of Himself as our food and nourishment. For the first time our newest members of the community join us at that table of the Lord Jesus. They join us in the prayer of thanks and in receiving the Risen Lord. The vigil ends with joyful dismissal to take what we have celebrated and share the message of the Risen Lord with others, Alleluia, Alleluia!
This is the Great Vigil of Easter. Every time I participate in this the greatest of all liturgical services, I am humbled, excited, re-enlivened. This year, I am even more joyous for three reasons: first, I have had a growth-filled Lent as I have reflected on the Lord Jesus’ journey; and second, I will be welcoming into the church new members, with whom I have journeyed with their final preparations to become part of the community of believers; third, I am also assisting in the celebration.
I would like to share briefly on the readings of the Easter Vigil. I invite you to take the time, today, if you can, to reflect on each of the readings and see how they fit into the telling of the story of salvation – our story – GOD’s story of relationship with us.
I. The story begins “in the beginning” – in Greek: Genesis. GOD wants to share the relationship which is the essence of Who GOD is. The relationship which flows within the Trinity is so powerful, it is creative. GOD speaks, and it happens. GOD creates what is GOoD. The climax of creation is the sharing of life with the humans who are created in the image and likeness of GOD. They are called to be people of relationship, just as GOD is the GOD of relationship. They are called to be in relationship with each other and with GOD.
II. The relationship between GOD and mortals is renewed in the covenant relationship with Abraham. Abraham is asked to show the fullness of his commitment to this relationship by sacrificing his son, the one in whom the promise of covenant was to be continued. Abraham shows his priority and trust by putting his relationship with GOD higher than his relationship with his son. This priority of putting relationship with GOD first will be demonstrated fully in another Son Who will be sacrificed in complete obedience to His Abba’s (GOD’s) will. And Abraham’s son (like GOD’s Son) carries the wood of the sacrifice up the mountain.
III. The story of the Exodus continues to show the relationship GOD has with Chosen People. They, in their slavery, have cried out to GOD. GOD hears them and sends them a prophet (Moses) who works great signs to set them free from their slavery. They journey through the waters of the Red Sea and are brought to safety while the water destroys the evilness of those who have held them in slavery. This image of water destroying evil and bring new life to those who travel through it are brought to full meaning in the sacrament of baptism.
IV. GOD speaks through the words of Isaiah. GOD promises to renew the relationship which was made with Noah after the flood waters destroyed the evilness of humanity. GOD desires a close relationship with the people who are called GOD’s own. GOD will be their redeemer and provide richness beyond their understanding. GOD, not just GOD’s spokespersons, will be their Teacher; GOD will instruct the children of GOD. It is in Jesus that the fullness of this renewed relationship will take place. GOD the Son is the Teacher and the Redeemer Who welcomes all into the ever deepening relationship with the Triune GOD.
V. GOD invites those who desire a closer relationship with the Divine to forsake their past ways of sin and seek the LORD. GOD speaks to those who are worried that they do not have what it takes to participate in this relationship, saying: “Come, I will provide for you. All you need do is turn fully to Me.” GOD will supply every want and need, if we but turn fully to GOD (ad Deum) and turn away from sin (which is “against GOD” - a theos).
VI. Wisdom is a gift which flows from a relationship with GOD. It also leads back to an even closer relationship. Wisdom is being aware of what GOD has done, is doing, and will continue to do for all of GOD’s Holy People, the Divinely Chosen People. It is in reflecting on the story of GOD’s relationship with us that we are drawn even closer into that relationship. “Give not your glory to another. . .Blessed (Holy) are we, for we know what pleases GOD” – a closer relationship with GOD.
VII. GOD reminds those who have been called by the LORD, that even if they have turned away from GOD (a theos), GOD will remain faithful to the covenant relationship which GOD has established. The LORD will renew the covenant relationship because of Who GOD is – the GOD of relationship. GOD will pour out water to cleanse the unfaithful from their sins. GOD will breathe the Holy Spirit into them and renew them. GOD will replace the hard, stony hearts of the unfaithful people, with hearts that are one with GOD. GOD has promised and GOD will fulfill that promise – in Christ Jesus.
VIII. In his testimonial letter to the Romans, St. Paul summarizes what it means to be in relationship with Christ Jesus: We are baptized into Jesus’s death and our sinful lives cease to exist, so we can be raised out of the waters to share in the new life of the Risen Lord Jesus. Thus we must consider ourselves as dead to sin and alive with the Risen Christ.
Gospel: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to the tomb early in the morning on the third day. As they think about how they are going to roll back the rock covering the tomb, they discover it has already been rolled back, They enter the tomb and are told by a young man (messenger-angel) of the LORD GOD that the Lord Jesus Whom they seek is not in the empty tomb, for He is alive and seeks to be in further relationship with His followers. They are to go and announce this message to His disciples. These women become the first to announce and experience that Jesus is alive, restoring our relationship with GOD. Alleluia!
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever faithful and always desirous of relationship with us. Through Your GOoDness, You have continued to demonstrate Your covenant relationship with humanity from the first moments of creation until the end of time. You have renewed Your promises of being faithful even though Your Chosen People have turned their backs on You, again, and again, and again. You have sent Your prophets (spokespersons) to a wayward people, challenging them to turn back to You. In the fullness of time, You sent Your Son to walk among us and proclaim the GOoD News of Your ongoing desire to have a relationship with us. He gave continual witness to the way things should be between You and Your People whom You have made holy. Yet, it was not until He gave the ultimate sacrifice of Himself in His death on the cross that the fullness of the proclamation could be seen. As we celebrate His Risen Life, we see the glory which He is sharing with us, as You continue to gift us with new life in and through Jesus, our Risen Lord. May we continue to be strengthened by Your Holy Spirit so we can proclaim the GOoD News of Your loving relationship with us. May we continue to die to sin, so as to rise with our Risen Lord and Master-Teacher. We pray particular for those among us whom You have recently called to share in the life of the believing community. As always, we make this prayer in the name of the Risen Lord, Jesus, Who is Your Son and our Brother, Our Redeemer, and Who is living and reigning with You and Your Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Song of the Day: He’s Alive by Don Francisco: (below are three different links to the same song, with different
graphics)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyZpNKIdo7Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjRO7a7qkl8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKxD8WnSYqQ
Video of the Day: Conrad of Parzham: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaJhhusFTBk
Catholic - Easter Vigil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO5romstsQY
The Exsultet: Easter Vigil Proclamation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4Ytyy2apLg
This is the Night (Exsultet) - Tony Alonso:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_25e92Yy1tI
© rjk, 03-13-18
Saint Conrad of Parzham: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-conrad-of-parzham/
Readings for the Easter Vigil: I. (Genesis 1:1--2:2; Ps 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35); II. (Genesis 22:1-18; Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11); III. (Exodus 14:15--15:1; Ex 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18); IV. (Isaiah 54:5-14; Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13); V. (Isaiah 55:1-11; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6); VI. (Baruch 3:9-15, 32--4:4; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11); VII. (Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28; Ps 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4); VIII. (Romans 6:3-11; Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23); Gospel: Mark 16:1-7)
Today (Holy Saturday) is a day of nothingness. During the day time, liturgically speaking in the mainline church tradition, nothing happens. It is a day of sorrow, a day for reflection. It is a day between the death of Jesus (GOoD Friday) and His Resurrection (Easter). There are no readings for Saturday because in the Catholic tradition, nothing happens on this day.
Things change when the sun sets and, according to Jewish and Christian tradition, Sunday begins. In the darkness which begins Sunday (Saturday night after sunset), Christians assemble to keep a vigil for the Lord Jesus. We reflect on the story of salvation, from the beginning of the world to the third day after Jesus’ death. We wait in hopeful anticipation that the Lord Jesus will keep His promise and rise. We look forward to new life, not just for Jesus, but also for all believers, especially those who will be welcomed into the Christian community on this vigil above all vigils, this liturgical celebration which surpasses all liturgical celebrations.
Within the Catholic and other mainline Christian traditions, the Easter Vigil is different from any other liturgical celebration. The service has four parts: 1) The Liturgy of Fire; 2) The Liturgy of the Word; 3) The Liturgy of Water and Baptism and Initiation; 4) The Liturgy of the Eucharist. (Some services will reverse the order of the first two parts.)
In the darkness at the beginning of this vigil service, a fire in enkindled. It is the Light of the Risen Christ. From this new fire, the Paschal (also called “Easter” or “Christ”) Candle is lit. The Light of Christ is carried in procession into the darkened church.
As the Light of Christ is welcomed into the darkened church, each participant has her/his candle lit from the Paschal Candle. Soon, all are enlightened by the Light of Risen Lord. Joyfully the Exsultet is sung as all stand in the Light of Christ. The Exsultet is a hymn to the Risen Lord. It speaks of the necessary sin of Adam which led to the promise of a Redeemer. It proclaims the fulfillment of Hebrew scriptures in the coming of Jesus, the Light, the Life of the World. [For the words of the Exsultet click the following link: (the left column is the Latin text, the middle column is the new translation and the right column is the older English translation): http://wdtprs.com/blog/2012/04/a-side-by-side-look-at-exsultet-texts/]
In the second part of the celebration – the Liturgy of the Word – the assembled faith community listens to their history being retold. Just like the Israelites retold, remembered, and relived (zikaron) their story (Haggadah) each Passover, we tell our story – GOD’s story. We make present the events related in the story. We see GOD’s plan at work as the story is told. The story of salvation consists of seven readings (each with a responsorial and a prayer) from Hebrew scripture. (For pastoral reasons, these seven readings can be reduced to a minimum of three [# I. and # III and one of the readings from the Prophets.]). These readings tell our story, beginning with GOD’s creation of the world until the final promise of a savior. (I will reflect briefly on each of these readings following the description of the Easter Vigil.)
After hearing our story as summarized in Hebrew scripture, we joyfully proclaim the Glory to GOD, with bells ringing, as we transition to the Christian scriptures and the continued story of our salvation. Although the lights could be turned on earlier, some wait until this time in the Vigil. It is then that the full splendor of the church is demonstrated as all lights are turned on and flowers and decorations become visible. We hear St. Paul’s words summarizing the whole paschal mystery: our dying with the suffering Christ, so that we might share in the life of the Risen Christ. Joyously the A-word is sung for the first time in over 40 days. Alleluia is the word which proclaims “Praise to the LORD” Who is now risen and living among us. This joyous word is called the Resurrection Word. The Gospel of the Lord Jesus’ resurrection is then proclaimed. This year, the Gospel is from St. Mark.
The Liturgy of Water and Baptism begins with asking the Holy Ones (Saints), who have proceeded us into the glory of the Reign of GOD, to join us as we prepare to invoke GOD’s blessing on the new water of Baptism and welcome new members into our Christian community.
We recall how water has had such a powerful position in our, or rather GOD’s, salvation history: from the waters of creation, to the waters of the Flood, to the waters of the Red Sea, to the waters of the River Jordan. Water has been a sign of change from death to life. The Paschal Candle of Risen Lord Jesus is placed into the waters and the Holy Spirit is breathed into the water as we ask GOD to bless the water which will bring new life to those who are plunged (baptizo) and washed in the water. A profession of faith is asked first of those who will be joining the Christian community and then of the community as a whole. We recommit ourselves to turning away from sin and evil and the deepening of our relationship with the GOD Who is Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Those who are asking to be a part of this Christian relationship are then called to the waters of baptism and are “plunged” (baptizo) into the water where they die to sin and are raised to the new life with the Risen Lord Jesus. They are then clothed with a white garment to show their putting on Christ. They are given their own candles which are lit from the Paschal Candle of the Risen Lord to symbolize they have been enlightened by Christ and are to walk as children of the Light. In receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, the newly baptized are then strengthened and confirmed by the Holy Spirit using Chrism, the oil of dedication, the oil of the Anointed One, the Christ.
The final part of the Great Vigil is the celebration of Eucharist. We continue to “eucharistize” (give thanks to) GOD the Abba-Father by remembering (re-enacting - zikaron) Jesus’ giving of Himself as our food and nourishment. For the first time our newest members of the community join us at that table of the Lord Jesus. They join us in the prayer of thanks and in receiving the Risen Lord. The vigil ends with joyful dismissal to take what we have celebrated and share the message of the Risen Lord with others, Alleluia, Alleluia!
This is the Great Vigil of Easter. Every time I participate in this the greatest of all liturgical services, I am humbled, excited, re-enlivened. This year, I am even more joyous for three reasons: first, I have had a growth-filled Lent as I have reflected on the Lord Jesus’ journey; and second, I will be welcoming into the church new members, with whom I have journeyed with their final preparations to become part of the community of believers; third, I am also assisting in the celebration.
I would like to share briefly on the readings of the Easter Vigil. I invite you to take the time, today, if you can, to reflect on each of the readings and see how they fit into the telling of the story of salvation – our story – GOD’s story of relationship with us.
I. The story begins “in the beginning” – in Greek: Genesis. GOD wants to share the relationship which is the essence of Who GOD is. The relationship which flows within the Trinity is so powerful, it is creative. GOD speaks, and it happens. GOD creates what is GOoD. The climax of creation is the sharing of life with the humans who are created in the image and likeness of GOD. They are called to be people of relationship, just as GOD is the GOD of relationship. They are called to be in relationship with each other and with GOD.
II. The relationship between GOD and mortals is renewed in the covenant relationship with Abraham. Abraham is asked to show the fullness of his commitment to this relationship by sacrificing his son, the one in whom the promise of covenant was to be continued. Abraham shows his priority and trust by putting his relationship with GOD higher than his relationship with his son. This priority of putting relationship with GOD first will be demonstrated fully in another Son Who will be sacrificed in complete obedience to His Abba’s (GOD’s) will. And Abraham’s son (like GOD’s Son) carries the wood of the sacrifice up the mountain.
III. The story of the Exodus continues to show the relationship GOD has with Chosen People. They, in their slavery, have cried out to GOD. GOD hears them and sends them a prophet (Moses) who works great signs to set them free from their slavery. They journey through the waters of the Red Sea and are brought to safety while the water destroys the evilness of those who have held them in slavery. This image of water destroying evil and bring new life to those who travel through it are brought to full meaning in the sacrament of baptism.
IV. GOD speaks through the words of Isaiah. GOD promises to renew the relationship which was made with Noah after the flood waters destroyed the evilness of humanity. GOD desires a close relationship with the people who are called GOD’s own. GOD will be their redeemer and provide richness beyond their understanding. GOD, not just GOD’s spokespersons, will be their Teacher; GOD will instruct the children of GOD. It is in Jesus that the fullness of this renewed relationship will take place. GOD the Son is the Teacher and the Redeemer Who welcomes all into the ever deepening relationship with the Triune GOD.
V. GOD invites those who desire a closer relationship with the Divine to forsake their past ways of sin and seek the LORD. GOD speaks to those who are worried that they do not have what it takes to participate in this relationship, saying: “Come, I will provide for you. All you need do is turn fully to Me.” GOD will supply every want and need, if we but turn fully to GOD (ad Deum) and turn away from sin (which is “against GOD” - a theos).
VI. Wisdom is a gift which flows from a relationship with GOD. It also leads back to an even closer relationship. Wisdom is being aware of what GOD has done, is doing, and will continue to do for all of GOD’s Holy People, the Divinely Chosen People. It is in reflecting on the story of GOD’s relationship with us that we are drawn even closer into that relationship. “Give not your glory to another. . .Blessed (Holy) are we, for we know what pleases GOD” – a closer relationship with GOD.
VII. GOD reminds those who have been called by the LORD, that even if they have turned away from GOD (a theos), GOD will remain faithful to the covenant relationship which GOD has established. The LORD will renew the covenant relationship because of Who GOD is – the GOD of relationship. GOD will pour out water to cleanse the unfaithful from their sins. GOD will breathe the Holy Spirit into them and renew them. GOD will replace the hard, stony hearts of the unfaithful people, with hearts that are one with GOD. GOD has promised and GOD will fulfill that promise – in Christ Jesus.
VIII. In his testimonial letter to the Romans, St. Paul summarizes what it means to be in relationship with Christ Jesus: We are baptized into Jesus’s death and our sinful lives cease to exist, so we can be raised out of the waters to share in the new life of the Risen Lord Jesus. Thus we must consider ourselves as dead to sin and alive with the Risen Christ.
Gospel: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to the tomb early in the morning on the third day. As they think about how they are going to roll back the rock covering the tomb, they discover it has already been rolled back, They enter the tomb and are told by a young man (messenger-angel) of the LORD GOD that the Lord Jesus Whom they seek is not in the empty tomb, for He is alive and seeks to be in further relationship with His followers. They are to go and announce this message to His disciples. These women become the first to announce and experience that Jesus is alive, restoring our relationship with GOD. Alleluia!
- The personal question/action for today: As I reflect on the history of salvation as celebrated in the Easter Vigil, what stands out the most for me? Do I experience the plan of GOD being revealed through the readings and the liturgy and in my life? How can I die more to sin and live a life which proclaims the GOoD News of the Risen Lord Jesus? What can I do to help others experience the salvation which comes through Jesus’ death and resurrection?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever faithful and always desirous of relationship with us. Through Your GOoDness, You have continued to demonstrate Your covenant relationship with humanity from the first moments of creation until the end of time. You have renewed Your promises of being faithful even though Your Chosen People have turned their backs on You, again, and again, and again. You have sent Your prophets (spokespersons) to a wayward people, challenging them to turn back to You. In the fullness of time, You sent Your Son to walk among us and proclaim the GOoD News of Your ongoing desire to have a relationship with us. He gave continual witness to the way things should be between You and Your People whom You have made holy. Yet, it was not until He gave the ultimate sacrifice of Himself in His death on the cross that the fullness of the proclamation could be seen. As we celebrate His Risen Life, we see the glory which He is sharing with us, as You continue to gift us with new life in and through Jesus, our Risen Lord. May we continue to be strengthened by Your Holy Spirit so we can proclaim the GOoD News of Your loving relationship with us. May we continue to die to sin, so as to rise with our Risen Lord and Master-Teacher. We pray particular for those among us whom You have recently called to share in the life of the believing community. As always, we make this prayer in the name of the Risen Lord, Jesus, Who is Your Son and our Brother, Our Redeemer, and Who is living and reigning with You and Your Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Song of the Day: He’s Alive by Don Francisco: (below are three different links to the same song, with different
graphics)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyZpNKIdo7Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjRO7a7qkl8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKxD8WnSYqQ
Video of the Day: Conrad of Parzham: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaJhhusFTBk
Catholic - Easter Vigil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO5romstsQY
The Exsultet: Easter Vigil Proclamation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4Ytyy2apLg
This is the Night (Exsultet) - Tony Alonso:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_25e92Yy1tI
© rjk, 03-13-18