It is the Easter Sunday morning. Good morning! How are you? Is it a little different morning to you as we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord?
The image of the Easter morning that I have is about a little community on the countryside hill. They have solemnly observed the Lent, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and gather at the church around the midnight on Holy Saturday. The big fire outside the church welcomes them. In the pure darkness, the fire illuminates their faces and hearts like the fire that guided Israel in the desert. The priest comes out of the church, greets people, taking enough time one by one. By the time when they start the Service of Light, the night is already far spent. One light from the Easter Candle leads people into the church and there they hear Easter Proclamation: “Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Exult, all creation around God’s throne! Rejoice!” After that, they listen attentively to the word of God that recalls how God saved his people throughout history and sent his own Son to be our Redeemer. In the darkness only with the Easter Candle, they solemnly keep vigil, listening to the stories of God’s salvation history. Suddenly after the seventh reading, they hear the sound of heaven and receive the light, being invited to sing Gloria with the choir. The Epistle from St. Paul and the Gospel are proclaimed and they hear the message of Easter in the priest’s homily. After the liturgy of the Word, the Baptism for the catechumen and candidates who have prepared last several months takes place. The community prays for them, invoking the saints. And the minister solemnly blesses the water and baptizes, confirms and gives them the first communion with the community sharing the Body and Blood of Christ. At this moment, the Easter Vigil is almost over for the dawn draws near and the light shines through the windows. The priest sings, “Go in the peace of Christ! Alleluia, alleluia!” The congregation responds, “Thanks be to God, Alleluia, alleluia!” The little community inspired and renewed by the resurrection of the Lord goes out to see the light of the new day and continues to celebrate the Easter morning, having the Agape Breakfast together. The long fasting, the long desire for the resurrected Lord is fulfilled; everyone is happy and new.