Easter Vigil

“Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.” And they remembered his words. Then they returned from the tomb and announced all these things to the eleven and to all the others.

Jesus died so we might be raised. And through his example of ultimate sacrifice for others, he reveals to us how we should live our lives, too. We are not to be slaves of sin and death, but rather servants of love and life. In order to do this, we must not only lead faithful lives guided by hope and fulfilled through acts of charity, but also be willing to be handed over to sinners and crucified for our faith. And just like the holy women, we should remember Jesus’ words and proclaim the Good News to everyone in our lives.

How do we express our thanksgiving for Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection? Are we willing to suffer persecutions for the sake of our faith? In what ways do our thoughts, words, and works announce the gospel message of salvation to all God’s children?

O Lord, give us the grace to proclaim your life, death, and resurrection to all who will listen.

Amen.