Bishop Michael F. Burbidge was the celebrant and homilist for the Easter Vigil Mass at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington April 8.
The liturgy included the ceremonial blessing of the new fire, lighting of the paschal candle, and a series of Scripture readings and responsorial Psalms by candlelight, alternating between English and Spanish.
“The difference between light and darkness is at the heart of the celebration of the Easter Vigil,” Bishop Burbidge said in his homily. “We began in darkness, symbolizing the darkness of our world due to war, violence, division, a lack of reverence for all human life and neglect of the poor. We also know the darkness of our own sins and failures.
“Acknowledging the darkness in our world and lives is a moment of grace. For then, we recognize our total dependency on God to make all things new as proclaimed in our Readings tonight,” he said.
Bishop Burbidge invited the congregation to seize the opportunity to become a new creation in the risen Christ Jesus.
“Hear him saying to you tonight: ‘Leave your old and sinful way of living and find new life in my mercy and forgiveness. Leave being casual about your faith and find new life in being consistently nourished in the Sacraments and with my Word. Leave chaos and anxiety and find new life by being still and prayerful in my presence. Leave the despair you may be experiencing in carrying your crosses and find new life in uniting them to mine, certain of the glory that awaits you. Leave your grief and sadness as you mourn the death of loved ones and rejoice in the new and eternal life I promise them and all who follow me.’
“Dear friends: Embrace the new life Jesus offers!”
