Christian Reflection and Prayer

Readings: Genesis 1:1-2: 2;
Genesis 22:1-18; Exodus 14:15-15:1;
Isaiah 54:5-14; Isaiah 55:1-11;
Baruch 3:19-15, 32-4:4;
Ezekiel 36:16-28; Romans 5:3-11;
Mark 16:1-8

Scripture:

"He has been raised up; He is not here."
(Mark 16:6)

Most families gather together after a
funeral. It is a time to console one another,
share memories of the deceased one, and
offer one another support during the healing
days ahead. So today the Christian family
gathers after the death of Jesus. The nine
readings used in the Easter Vigil call us to
remember the great deeds of God that
prepared the way for Jesus. Over and over
again we hear how God dramatically intervenes
in human affairs to create, to save, to reprimand,
and to form covenants. As we listen to stories
of the pervasive presence of God in our lives,
we know that we will never be abandoned. In this
comfort we turn to one another and give our
support to whatever healing we might need in
the days ahead. We can only love one another
because God has first and continuously loved us!

The Easter Vigil memories carried through
the readings end with Mark's quiet Resurrection
gospel. It was early in the morning, the dawn
was just breaking. In the faintness of that first
light, we hear of the resurrected Jesus Who
already has moved ahead into Galilee. Yes,
God again has dramatically intervened! The
young man in the white robe asks the disciples
to follow Jesus once more. Our vigil is over, the
night has ended. It is time to put on the armor
or day and join Christ in His mission to be the
Light of the World.

Prayer:

O God, Creator of heaven and earth:

Grant that, as the crucified body of your
dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on
this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him
the coming of the third day, and rise with him
to newness of life; who now lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever.
Amen