Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)

Reflection

The Easter Vigil begins in darkness.  But the gathered community of faith know already that the blessed fire will soon light the Easter Candle.  And its flame will be shared as it is borne in procession through a darkness now pierced with the growing points of light which celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  In this year's cycle of feasts and seasons, that growing light is also a hope-filled metaphor of faith pointing a way beyond the dark experiences of the year past.  The dark will not prevail where the light and life of the Risen Lord leads and energizes.  There is reason for the Alleluias.  And we insist on them.

Prayer

A prayer for this day (say it and mean it):  "Alleluia!"

Fr. Richard Berube, S.S.E. ’66, Emeritus Professor, Religious Studies

Scripture

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a

Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35 or Psalm 33:4-7, 12-13, 20, 22
Second Reading: Genesis 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
Psalm 16:5, 8-11
Third Reading: Exodus 14:15—15:1
(Psalm) Exodus 15:1-6, 17-18
Fourth Reading: Isaiah 54:5-14
Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
Fifth Reading: Isaiah 55:1-11
(Psalm) Isaiah 12:2-3, 4-6
Sixth Reading: Baruch 3:9-15, 32—4:4
Psalm 19:8-11
Seventh Reading: Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28
Psalm 42:3, 5; 43:3-4
Eighth Reading: Romans 6:3-11
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Gospel: Mark 16:1-7

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website