EASTER VIGIL

In the evening of Holy Saturday, we celebrate the Easter Vigil. It is the mother of all vigils in Catholic liturgical celebrations, holding preeminence over Christmas Vigil, Pentecost Vigil and other vigils in the Church’s liturgical calendar. By most ancient tradition, this is the night of keeping vigil for the Lord (Ex 12:42), in which, following the Gospel admonition (Lk 12:35-37), the faithful, carrying lighted lamps in their hands, should be like those looking for the Lord when he returns, so that at his coming he may find them awake and have them sit at his table.

The liturgical service during the Easter Vigil is replete with symbolisms that pertain to the truths of our faith. It is primarily divided into four part, namely, the Service of Light, Liturgy of the Word, Baptism and Liturgy of the Eucharist. It is arranged, moreover, in such a way that after the Service of Light and Easter Proclamation (which constitutes the first part of this Vigil), Holy Church meditates on the wonders the Lord God has done for his people from the beginning, trusting in his word and promise (the second part, that is, the Liturgy of the Word) until, as day approaches, with new members reborn in Baptism (the third part), the Church is called to the table the Lord has prepared for his people, the memorial of his Death and Resurrection until he comes again (the foruth part).

In the service of light, the paschal candle is blessed. It is the symbol of Christ who is risen again, Christ who shines brightly in the darkness. He is the new source of light of the Church, guiding her towards freedom from sin and newness of life. Thus, we pray that the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.

The liturgy of the Word includes nine readings namely seven from the Old Testament and two from the New (the Epistle and Gospel). We listen with quiet hearts to the Word of God. We meditate on how God in times past saved his people and in these, the last days, has sent us his Son as our Redeemer. Thus, we pray that our God may complete this paschal work of salvation by the fullness of redemption.

The Baptism Liturgy begins after the homily. It is a reminiscence of the ancient Christian practice of baptism during the Easter Vigil, after the intense preparations of candidates during the Lent. As the symbol of light serves a potent reminder for us of Christ’s light, the water in baptism is also an effective symbol of our faith. It reminds us of the life-giving, sustaining, cleansing, and healing brought forth by Christ resurrection. The ability of water to inflict death is not ignore, too. In as much as the water of baptism brings forth a new life, it also causes death to sin. Thus, through the water of baptism we are united in a special way with the death of Christ, and to his resurrection too.       

The vigil’s highest point in the celebration of the liturgy of the Eucharist. In the Eucharist we are invited by the risen Lord to participate in the meal he had prepared. As we remember the Paschal mystery of Christ, we offer from the gifts the Lord had given us the holy bread of eternal life and the chalice of salvation, meant to nourish our spirit with very sustenance that Christ prepare for us.

The liturgy of the Easter Vigil helps us to remember the goodness the Lord has done for us from the Old Testament to the New that climaxes with the death and resurrection of Christ.