We completed our GoodFriday, the one day in the entire year when we do not nor cannot celebrate the Mass. We do partake of communion, having consecrated enough hosts on HolyThursday to be able to receive on Friday.
HolySaturday morning, and for that matter, the entire daylight hours, we do not nor cannot celebrate the Mass and Eucharist; however, at sundown, we begin the Vigil of Easter with a feast of scriptures, beginning with the creation story; then the story of Abrahamand the beginning of God’s covenant; then Moses; and more.
When we finally finish, we break out into our wondrous “Gloria,” with bells and all the extras!
Using the language of the past, we then share the Epistle; it is taken from the letter to the Romans — death and resurrection; old self and new self; dead to sin, but living for God in Christ!
Then, the “Alleluias” break out after a season without them, not to be silenced again until the Lent of 2026.
And our Gospel from Luke presents the women who came to the tomb on the first day of the week (Sunday) bringing spices and coming to take proper care of the tomb.
But, what did they find?!
The stone rolled back, nobody in the tomb; then, two men in dazzling garments (angels) suddenly appeared.
Terror? Of course!
But the two men asked a simple yet perplexing question —
“Why do you seek the living one among the dead?”
And as quickly as they had asked the question, they gave their answer —
“He is not here, but he has been raised.”
And they reminded the women of Jesus’ own words about having to be handed over, crucified, and resurrected after three days. They did remember; although at the time, none of them knew what he meant.
Then, they hurriedly went to tell the eleven apostles. (Remember, Judas the traitor hung himself remorsefully; the 12 became 11.)
But the apostles thought it was nonsense. And so Peter ran to the tomb, found it empty, saw the burial cloths, and was simply amazed.
Did he believe it? Is it an amazing belief? Weren’t there multiple times after multiple miracles that people were amazed? But did they believe it?
As our faith story continues throughout the 50 days of Easter, Jesus will appear multiple times to those who would definitely come to true belief. The community of faith will come to life and grow and discover new life.
This incredible ending of the first act is indeed the beginning of the second act which is an eternal one.
How?
What?
Who?
When?
And many other questions now come alive for all who dare to listen and to see.
If you don’t believe this writer, just ask the former catechumens who have been gloriously baptized, confirmed, and have received for the first of many times, the sacred Eucharist!
And through these sacramental moments, faith grows in individuals and in the community of faith which is the church!
