The Easter Vigil Mass begins in a dark church that
gradually is filled with hundreds of flickering candles lit from a large paschal
candle that symbolizes Jesus, the light of the world.
This year, in the middle of a global pandemic, parishioners are
under stay-at-home orders, and public Masses have been suspended to prevent the
spread of the coronavirus. Gatherings are capped at 10 people.
But 10 was apparently enough to livestream a solemn and beautiful
Easter Vigil Mass from the Cathedral of St. Thomas More on Holy Saturday night.
Thousands from across the diocese and beyond, perhaps holding their own candles
in front of flickering computer screens, were able to experience the Vigil’s moving
Service of Light, and hear the readings, music and solemn chants. They could
see the spring flowers that filled the sanctuary, even if they couldn’t smell
the incense.
Noting that “we need some good news,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
proclaimed the Easter message that the resurrected Jesus is alive and with us.
“This is the truth we celebrate on this sacred night and
throughout the Easter season and it is not changed by any situation or crisis,”
Bishop Burbidge said. “It is the good news that allows us to sing, even at this
difficult moment: ‘Alleluia, Alleluia.’ ”
Bishop Burbidge noted that the Vigil Mass “began in darkness,
symbolizing the darkness in our world, nation and lives. Acknowledging the
darkness is a moment of grace, if it leads us to a deeper reliance on God and a
firm belief in his power to make all things new, as proclaimed in the readings
this evening.”
At the beginning of the liturgy, “we blessed the Easter fire and
lit the paschal candle; symbolizing that Jesus Christ, by his cross and
resurrection, was not defeated but conquered the power of sin, darkness,
suffering and even death. Thus, the words of the Easter Proclamation, sung
beautifully by our deacon, made this exhortation: Exult, let all corners of the
earth be glad … for we stand in the awesome glory of Christ’s holy light.
“What does it mean for us to stand and to walk in the Light of
Christ? It means that we leave behind
the darkness of sin and walk in the new life of grace. It means we are not
overwhelmed by our sufferings but trust that when united to the Lord’s, we will
come to share in his glory. It means that as we mourn the death of loved ones,
we do not despair, knowing that he promises eternal life to all who follow him.
It means that in the midst of the pandemic, we are not overcome by fear but
find our courage in realizing the Lord is with us and will deliver us. It means
that we continue to find ways to help and encourage one another, especially
those who are afraid, alone and in need. In all these ways, you stand and walk
in the Light of Christ and in newness of life,” he said.
Bishop Burbidge pointed out that the rites of initiation of
adults into the church that traditionally take place at the Easter Vigil —
baptisms, confirmations and reception of their first Holy Communion — had been
postponed due to the coronavirus.
“While that will not occur this evening, God willing, it will be real
soon. In the meantime, we assure the elect and catechumens of our thoughts and
prayers as they continue their preparation,” he said.
The beautiful Litany of the Saints was sung, and the Bishop
blessed the water in the baptismal font, before the renewal of baptismal
promises. He sprinkled holy water from the font on those present, as well as, seemingly,
in the direction of the camera, for those watching from afar.
And as he has throughout Holy Week, the Bishop invited those
unable to receive the Eucharist to make a spiritual communion. “As you make your
spiritual communion tonight ask God for the grace to celebrate, proclaim and
share the good news of great joy: Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead;
he is our Light and the Hope of the World … Alleluia. Alleluia.”
