Weekly Bible Study - The Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ

20 April 2013

Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday

May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds – Easter Vigil

A hush descends upon the darkened church as the faithful prepare for the lighting of the paschal candle. The congregation keeps silent watch awaiting the flame that will illuminate the darkness of night and dispel the emptiness of hearts where Christ is entombed. The Easter vigil begins with a service of light. This theme will be interspersed among the numerous Scripture readings the church proclaims beginning Holy Saturday through the “Gospel of Easter Afternoon.”  We focus our attention on two selections in particular: the first and the last.

Genesis, the opening reading of the vigil, places our minds and hearts in that vast obscurity before creation. God’s initial utterance scatters that darkness: Let there be light. It is not only the light to mark the day, it is the light of understanding.  The written word of Scripture finds its genesis, its beginning, in the Sacred Word uttered by God for our enlightenment.

 The sacred words that we continue to hear throughout these Easter liturgies acknowledge the wondrous works of God in salvation history.  Gradually opening the minds and hearts of hearers, these words offer a growing crescendo of our enlightenment to God’s unending truth. We move toward its climax as the final reading of Easter Day brings the light of understanding into true focus.  Disciples walking to Emmaus experience the power of Christ’s resurrection in bread and word. This moment of Eucharistic encounter is their true enlightenment. They recognize, they believe, they understand. Their hearts burn within.

Let there be light, the Father says.  Let the glory of my Risen Son enter into you with each Eucharist so that your hearts burn within to recognize, believe and grow in understanding and faith.

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.