Easter is such an exciting time in the life of a Christian. The resurrection of Jesus is basically the foundation of Christianity. Growing up my parents were always avid churchgoers, so we had a close knit community that would come together every Sunday. However, I remember that on Easter Sunday the church was filled with folks celebrating the resurrection of Christ. In the Catholic church it is the time of year to see images of Christ resurrecting instead of suffering on the cross. It is a time to rejoice and be glad that the Lord has risen!
It wasn't until 2008, while living in New York City, that I attended the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. I had no idea this ceremony took place in all the years growing up in the church. What a beautiful ceremony it is. I remember walking to my parish and entering a pitch black church and someone handing me a candle upon entering. There was just but a small spark of light coming from one of the altar servers holding a candle while the priest read from the book of Genesis. I was moved by just seeing that tiny spark of light. Then that tiny spark of light lit up a parishioner's candle and that parishioner lit up the next person's candle and so forth until it got all the way to me. I felt so blessed and connected with my parish members. It was beautiful to see us all provide each other with light. From then on I knew I wanted to attend the Easter Vigil every year.
Unfortunately I did not attend this year's Easter Vigil, but I wanted to write about my first encounter of it to remember how special this day is in my life. I almost felt like that day in 2008 it was a renewal of my commitment to Christ and to my neighbors. I did not know about the Easter Vigil through my parents who baptized me Catholic and raised me in the church. I learned about it on my own through the guidance of the Lord. So this year I will celebrate the Lord's resurrection on Easter Sunday-just like old times. It will be a day to remember my commitment to Christ and to celebrate life!
This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Psalm 118:24
P.S. If anyone is reading this, I am wondering if you have any reflections on a time you felt you were making or renewing your commitment to Christ?
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