The lighting of the Paschal candle at the beginning of the Easter ceremonies is a powerful sign of the resurrection of Christ, reminding us that the light of Christ has come into the world and that it can never be extinguished. In the darker corners of our lives and in the darker corners of the world that is a truth which needs to be known and accepted. Despite all that human beings can do to themselves and each other, nothing can comprehend the victory of God. That is true whether we define ‘comprehend’ in the sense of ‘understand’ or ‘overcome’. Translations vary.
‘And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not’ (John 1:5).
The light reminds us once again of the victory of God in Christ Jesus, the eternal high priest. As the light spreads through the building we are reminded that we are the people of God, called by his name. Once the Paschal candle is set in its place, the Exsultet or Easter Proclamation is said or sung.
This is a reminder of two things. First, that our prime duty is to offer praise to God and secondly, that our salvation has been wrought in time and space. Salvation is not a concept, an abstract idea for the religiously minded or the philosophically curious, but the effect of God’s dealings with his people. These acts of salvation are discovered in the story of God’s work, which is the story of salvation.
In the Exsultet (and following it in the Vigil) we are reminded once again of God’s many deeds and in particular that the new Passover has taken place, modelled on the old, but more glorious still. Whereas God’s ancient people were delivered from the hands of the Egyptians through the waters of the Red Sea, so the children of the New Covenant are redeemed by the Cross and incorporated into it through the waters of Baptism.
God’s people are lifted out of the water for authentic life. In effect this means a change in the quality of life. The Christian life is one characterised by thankfulness for all that God has done, by the praise of God and by an overwhelming sense of joy. This is what it means to be an Easter people. The Song of Moses gives place to the Song of the Lamb.
‘Rejoice now, all ye heavenly legions of Angels: all high things that pass understanding: for the King cometh with victory, let the trumpet proclaim salvation.’
Wishing you a joyous Easter and the blessings of the risen Lord. May the light of Christ shine in your lives and wherever there is darkness in the world.
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