Just As He Said

March 22, 2008

Holy Saturday Evening: The Resurrection of the Lord

At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter

We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For a dead person has been absolved from sin. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. Romans 6:6-8

Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Matthew 28:5-6

Piety

Here I am Lord. Standing before your empty tomb, I believe. I come to fulfill your requests – to do your will in the now of our world. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/032208.shtml

The Easter vigil is the most beautiful celebration in the liturgical year. By contemplating all that has come before us in darkness and light, we come to celebrate in the “Here” and the “Now.”

Today’s (tonight’s) readings take us from the “Here I am, Lord” response of Abraham when the Lord calls on him to the “He is not here” response of the angels at the temple to the woman who visit that first Easter morning.

Tonight, people who have been studying our faith take the final step into the tomb. They are allowing their old beliefs to die.

If we allow ourselves to die with Jesus on Good Friday, then we shall also live with him on Easter. Here. Now. He is risen. Just as Jonah said. Just as Isaiah told us it would happen. Just as he said it himself.

Action

What part of your sinful self do you want to let pass on from this world here and now so that you will be free to contemplate the Resurrection and reach out from the empty tomb?