This Holy Saturday is quiet waiting, hushed hope, and still faith. The tomb remains closed. The grief is not yet settled into our souls. Rather a disbelief at what has occurred rocks us. All that had been longed for by the disciples has been destroyed in a violent act that stripped them completely of expectations. Like them, we too now wait, and try to see what our Lenten journey has meant.

Tonight Catholics gather around the world for the holiest of feasts–the Easter Vigil. This is a time of joy, anticipation and celebration. We light the fire, sing the Exsultet, proclaim a myriad of readings that tell the history of our faith, renew our own baptismal promises as we watch others enter fully into the communion of our church, and party well to celebrate the end of the Lenten journey.

This is the night of nights. This night we banish the darkness and welcome the Light, proclaiming that death has no victory. The Risen One has redeemed us.  This broken world is embraced by Christ. This blessed night there is restoration and healing. This sacred night heaven and earth are wed and the divine and human bonded for eternity.

I love how the dark church springs to light and life from the new Easter candle. This is my favourite celebration of the church year. There is so much hope that bubbles out from the rich symbolism. The darkness does not–and will not–overcome the Light. Let the flame that is rekindled in our hearts this night be found burning brightly by the Morning Star. Rejoice!

Peace,

Suzanne