Saturday 8 April 2023
Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)
Romans 6:3-11. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia – Psalm 117(118):1-2, 16-17, 22-23. Matthew 28:1-10.
We must not be afraid of following Christ
The Easter vigil reminds us that we are a Resurrection people, waiting again symbolically for the Risen Lord. On this Saturday evening, as we mourn the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday, we know that this state of grief and hurt will pass. The liturgical symbols used in the vigil service remind us of our life as Christians, that we are people of the light, a people baptised and set apart. Matthew’s Gospel recounts the original cataclysmic event when the women at the tomb see that it is empty and are told by the angel not to be afraid.
We, too, must not be afraid of following Christ, even though there may be times when we must follow by faith alone. Paul’s letter to the Romans reminds the early Christians: Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. As we think about our faith lives and how we live them, we can ponder the notion of this new life lived in the Lord, in community, a people set together, each of whom will rise to greet the Father when this mortal life is done.
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