He is Risen! - The Easter Vigil ~ by Josephine Fernando

We had a number of readings read at the Easter Vigil. We primarily commemorate the Passover Feast of the Lord. The Israelites were redeemed from bondage, from slavery at the hands of the Egyptians. It was a command from God, that every generation henceforth will tell its generation and will celebrate this great feast.

When they crossed the Reed Sea, they were being baptized and were led into the wilderness. When Our Lord was baptized, He too, was led by the Spirit into the desert.

The Water, Fire and the Easter candle are blessed at the Easter Vigil. They are very symbolic of new life in the Lord. Water and Fire symbolizes our Baptism and Holy Spirit, through which we enter the Church and become the Body of Christ. It symbolizes our new life in the Lord, to forget our old self, behavior, attitude... for we put on the robe of Christ. Baptism is the first Sacrament, which initiates the other sacraments and our Christian walk.

We heard the reading from the Book of Genesis, the Creation story. God created man in His image and likeness. The Lord also wants us to imitate Him. We need to be loving and caring, the very essence of Our Lord's quality, which led to Our Lord's Apostolic ministry. Only when we are loving, will gratitude flow from us; will we be more concerned of our neighbors than ourselves. Thus we can build up our Church together.

If there was no resurrection, there would have been no hope for us Christians. We too believe, that one day, when we die, we will also rise, for the Lord rose from the dead. Death has no power over us, for Our Lord Jesus Christ defeated death.

Easter is one of the greatest feasts in our Church. The tomb is empty. Our Lord is Risen! We need to be joyous. Shalom. May we experience the Peace of Christ, every moment of our lives, for we have risen with Our Lord Jesus Christ.



~ Three Marys at the Tomb by William-Adolphe Bouguereau
~ Image at Free Christ Images