The Easter Vigil, B
Genesis 1:1 – 2:2; Psalm 104; Genesis 22: 1-18; Psalm 16; Exodus 14: 15 – 15: 1; Exodus 15: 1-2. 3-4. 5-6. 17-18; Isaiah 54: 5-14; Psalm 30; Isaiah 55: 1-11; Isaiah 12: 2-3. 4. 5-6; Baruch 3: 9-15. 32 – 4:4; Psalm 19; Ezekiel 36: 16-28; Psalm 42; Romans 6: 3-11; Psalm 118; Mark 16, 1-8.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Tertullian, an African Church Father who converted to Christianity around 197 A.D., testifies: “Belief in the resurrection of the dead has been an essential element of the Christian faith from its beginnings. ‘The confidence of Christians is the resurrection of the dead; believing this we live.’ ” (CCC 991)
The Catechism recommends St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians as we meditate on our belief in the Resurrection of the Body: How can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain….But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Cor 15:12-14)
Consider this from an Easter homily by Melito of Sardis, bishop:
“The Lord, though he was God, became man. He suffered for the sake of those who suffer, he was bound for those in bonds, condemned for the guilty, buried for those who lie in the grave; but he rose from the dead, and cried aloud: Who will contend with me? Let him confront me. I have freed the condemned, brought the dead back to life, raised men from their graves. Who has anything to say against me? I, he said, am the Christ; I have destroyed death, triumphed over the enemy, trampled hell underfoot, bound the strong one, and taken men up to the heights of heaven: I am the Christ. Come, then, all you nations of men, receive forgiveness for the sins that defile you. I am your forgiveness. I am the Passover that brings salvation. I am the lamb who was immolated for you. I am your ransom, your life, your resurrection, your light, I am your salvation and your king. I will bring you to the heights of heaven. With my own right hand I will raise you up, and I will show you the eternal Father.”
Christ is truly risen! Alleluia!
I look forward to meeting you here again next week as, together, we “meet Christ in the liturgy” -Father Cusick