Easter Vigil - April 20, 2019

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Genesis 1:1-2:2,26-31   Genesis 22:1-18   Exodus 14:15-15:1   Isaiah 54:5-14   Isaiah 55:1-11 
Baruch3:9-15,32-4:4   Ezekiel 36:16-28   Romans 6:3-11   Luke 24:1-12

I signed on for the daunting task of reflecting on the readings given for the Easter Vigil. For reference, that is seven readings from the Old Testament, two from the New Testament, plus several responsorial psalms. The amount of material to digest is enormous. But I guess to fully understand the magnificence of the resurrection; you start from the beginning (Genesis 1:1) and work your way through. Could these readings from the Easter Vigil be the “cliff notes” of our faith?

We start with THE beginning, literally the beginning of all creation… “and it was good.” We move through a couple of poetic psalms, reminding us that “the earth is full of goodness.” We march forward, chariots and all (Exodus 14) with a reminder that with God’s help we can power through, from sea to dry ground. Slow and loud claps accompany Dave Ekerdt and those “horse and chariots cast into the sea” and then we arrive at the water reading from Isaiah (55).
Just when I think it cannot get any better, we are invited to come to the water, to come and listen that we may have life as we turn to the Lord who is generous and forgiving.

We walk in the light of wisdom (Baruch) and we are given a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel.) Then, together we hear the gospel that proclaims the good news that Jesus has been raised. Together we are united in our devotion to renounce evil, profess the faith of the church and acknowledge that Jesus has risen. We witness the baptisms and confirmations of the new members of our Catholic faith. We are saved and can now celebrate the Easter Eucharist together.

It is not my intention to make light of these readings but rather digest them in a way I can understand their message. From the beginning to the resurrection (from life to death), God is with us on this journey. Easter is a reminder of our renewed commitment of baptism, the communal nature of our faith and the joy of welcoming our newest Catholics. Halleluiah!

Q: Where do I find “newness” in my life right now? From what have I been resurrected this Lenten season?

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