HOMILY FOR EASTER VIGIL. (2)

HOMILY FOR EASTER VIGIL.

THEME: BLESSED & JOYFUL NIGHT.

BY: FR GERALD M. MUSA

The Easter vigil ceremony is the most blessed and joyful night with significant rituals which demonstrate the core of the Christian faith. The ceremony is divided into four parts: Service of Light; Liturgy of the Word; Liturgy of Baptism, andLiturgy of the Eucharist. The introductory part of the ceremony, which is the service of light is held outside. Thereafter the Easter candle is blessed and lighted and the priest prays: “May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.”

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Afterwards, there is an Easter proclamation known as the Exultet followed by readings from the Scriptures. These readings trace salvation history which includes the story of creation, the sinful fall of the human person through Adam, the call of Abraham, the liberation of the people of Israel through Moses, and the crossing of the Red Sea (symbol of baptism).

The New Testament readings show how God in the fullness of time sent Jesus Christ to redeem mankind. Furthermore, the reading from the Letter to the Romans reminds Christians about how they become one with Christ through Baptism. The Gloria is sung during the ceremony to acclaim Christ the risen Lord. The third part of the ceremony, which is baptism initiates new members into the Christian fold and the last part is the Eucharist which reminds the congregation of the sacrificial lamb, Jesus Christ who died and rose again. Happy Easter!

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