[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Genesis 1:1–2:2

Easter Vigil

In the beginning … (Genesis 1:1)

Tonight we go back to the beginning. As we ponder Jesus’ crucifixion and death, as we wait eagerly for his resurrection, we sense that something new is about to happen. We stand at the turning point of all history, the critical moment when Jesus passes from death to life and creates everything anew.

It was not enough to patch up the old things. In an ancient homily for Holy Saturday, Jesus is depicted as descending into hell to rescue Adam and Eve. He tells them, “The enemy led you out of the earthly paradise. I will not restore you to that paradise, but I will enthrone you in heaven. I forbade you the tree that was only a symbol of life, but see, I who am life itself am now one with you.” No mere touch-up job, Jesus took his new creation to a whole new level!

The very liturgy of the Easter Vigil ushers us into the mystery of this new creation. A new fire is kindled, and a new Paschal candle is lit. Then the Church moves from darkness to light as we light our individual candles from that one flame. New holy water is blessed, and with it new members are brought into the Church. Yes, Jesus is making all things new!

This newness extends to our lives. Jesus has recreated and restored a world that was disordered by sin—and he recreates each one of us. He who spoke the universe into existence now speaks healing and wholeness into our lives. He doesn’t just patch us up; he gives us a whole new beginning.

So take some time today to pray about this new creation. What is “old” in you that he wants to make new? Are there ways that you feel tired and worn down? Let him fill you with the joy of his redemption. Let him turn your mourning into dancing. Let him put a new song into your heart. You are a new creation!

“Lord, create me anew! Take me from death to life, from chaos to order, from darkness to light. I want to participate fully in the new life you accomplished in your resurrection!”

Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35; Romans 6:3-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Luke 24:1-120

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

HOLY SATURDAY: DEATH AND LIFE 

DEATH AND LIFE – What a stark contrast we have on this Holy Saturday! We pass through a day in the liturgy where all is silence. As the day begins, many of our churches will be bare – the tabernacle empty as we share liturgically in Jesus’ death and burial. Yes, as the Easter Vigil begins this evening, we will be introduced once again into the fullness of life through His resurrection to glory. Tonight, our churches will be resplendent with new life and beauty. The contrast in the course of a single day is great indeed. 

In the passage that will be read tonight at the Easter Vigil (Romans 6:3-11), Saint Paul teaches us that we share both in Jesus’ death and in His resurrection. Our own baptism is itself a paradox of life and death. Through baptism into Jesus’ death on the cross, we die to sin. And, through the same baptism into His resurrection, we too are raised to a new life in His Spirit. What a glorious contrast our life is meant to be! As we die every day to self and sin, we receive new life through the power of Jesus’ resurrection. The life of the risen Lord is in us because we have been baptized into Him. His power is within us to change us. By His Spirit, we can begin to live a new life. 

Holy Saturday is an excellent opportunity for us to seek this new life by spending time in prayer and reading God’s word. As much as we are able, let us make this a day of seeking God in silence and waiting. Let us anticipate the gift of new life that we will receive tonight as we renew our baptismal vows and participate in the Easter liturgy. 

Today is an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and receive more of His life. Jesus has conquered sin, death, and Satan. We can experience the victory of His death and resurrection this day. We can expect tangible changes in our lives in the days and weeks ahead, because we have received the power of the risen Jesus.