Holy Saturday- The Easter Vigil

On this, the holiest day of the entire year, the third day of the Sacred Paschal Triduum, the women and the disciples discovered the empty tomb, and that Jesus was actually risen.  

It was before sunrise on the first day of the week. Mary (Magdalene) stood weeping beside the empty tomb. Upon seeing (the gardener) she asked “Tell me where you have laid Him?” But it was Jesus, and he said to her “Mary”, and she recognized Him.  She turned to Him and said “Rabbouni!" (meaning Teacher).  John 20.  

Traditionally, the Easter Vigil takes place sometime between sunset on Saturday night and sunrise on Sunday morning. It is the first celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. It begins with a blazing fire, dispelling the darkness. With readings from the Old Testament and culminating in the New Testament, new members of the Church are baptized and the faithful renew their Baptismal promises. The entire Vigil comes to a climax in the celebration of the Eucharist; the body and the blood of Christ, which Jesus sheds for the remission of our sins, that we may be in relationship with God.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday marks the beginning of Eastertide. This day (which includes the Easter Vigil) is the most holy day of the entire liturgical year. We celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the dead, God’s triumph over Satan, and our gift of eternal life.

God has the final word and His promises to us have been fulfilled. "Death will be no more."  Revelation 21:4.

Easter Sunday celebrates this fact.  God’s love for us is greater than anything in the world and Jesus has proved it. The miracle of Christ’s resurrection is real and we can be with Him in paradise.

CHRISTUS SURREXIT VERE, ALLELUIA