Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)
The liturgy of the Word for the Easter Vigil is proclaimed during the most solemn Eucharistic celebration in our Church calendar. Beginning with the ritual blessing of fire and proclaiming Christ our light, the darkness of sin is replaced by the brightness of Christ’s light represented by the paschal candle being carried to the altar. Through the liturgy of the Word salvation history is recounted as we remember God’s loving act of creation and his liberating relationship with his chosen people. All of this culminates in the waters of baptism as new members of our Church community are ritually welcomed into our communion through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation the Eucharist.
As we enter into this multifaceted celebration, perhaps we can pray with the ritual symbols of fire, water, oil, bread and wine in which the ordinary become extraordinary within our celebration of faith. In the waters of baptism, we are freed from the bondage of sin and share not only in Christ’s death, but we are also promised a share in his resurrection. For on this holy night that is what we especially celebrate in a glorious way that the one who was crucified is now raised as we journey again with Mary Magdalene and the other disciples encountering our risen Lord.
Prayer
Rev. Brian J. Cummings, SSE ’86
Director of Campus Ministry
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 12:2-6
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
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