On Holy Saturday each year, the Catholic Church celebrates the Easter Vigil, a unique occasion that differs from a typical Sunday Mass. During this special liturgy, we light a new Paschal candle, we bless fresh holy water, consecrate new hosts, and new members are warmly welcomed into the Catholic family through the Sacraments.
At this Vigil, existing members of the Church renew their baptismal promises, and we celebrate the greatest promise the Lord has given to us: The empty tomb.
Christ’s resurrection is not just an historical event; it is a promise. It is one that defines our faith and tells us that one day, every tomb will be empty. It’s a promise that, for those who believe in Christ’s love, death will not have the final word. It’s a promise that Christ is alive, and that we will live with Him, both here and in the hereafter.
Jesus did not rise from the dead for His own glory, or to prove a point. His resurrection was a gift, a promise to give us new life – life shared with God Himself. But the gift of eternal life is not limited to the afterlife. It extends to the present moment. Jesus made this clear when He said, “I come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” Some of us might not think about life after death, because we have yet to grasp the concept of life after birth.
Our lives are radically different from what they would have been if Christ had not come and borne His cross to Calvary. Because of Christ, our lives should reflect that transformation. Our daily choices, actions, and relationships are filled with new meaning because of His love and His sacrifice.
This Easter Sunday, make it your mission to begin anew. Reflect on your personal relationship with Christ. Does it need to be strengthened? Allow Christ to be reborn in your heart, and you will become a light in darkness.
The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement wish you and your families a happy and blessed Easter. You remain in our hearts and prayers during this Easter season and always. May God bless you and keep you.