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Saturday, March 30, 2002
Holy Saturday /Easter Vigil
1st Reading: Gen 1:1-2:2
2nd Reading: Ex 14:15-15:1
Gospel: Mt 28:1-10
After the sabbath, at the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene
and the other Mary went to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a violent
earthquake: an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, came to the stone,
rolled it from the entrance of the tomb, and sat on it. His appearance
was like lightning and his garment white as snow. The guards trembled
in fear and became like dead men when they saw the angel.
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you
are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen
as he said. Come, see the place where they laid him; then go at once and
tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead and is going ahead of
you to Galilee. You will see him there. This is my message for you."
They left the tomb at once in holy fear, yet with great joy, and they
ran to tell the news to the disciples.
Suddenly, Jesus met them on the way and said, "Peace." The women
approached him, embraced his feet and worshiped him. But Jesus said to
them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee;
there they will see me."
Commentary
Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor, radiant in the
brightness of your King! Christ has conquered! Glory fills you! Darkness
vanishes for ever! This is the night when Jesus Christ broke the chains
of death and rose triumphant from the grave.The power of this holy night
dispels all evil, washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings mourners
joy. Night truly blest when heaven is wedded to earth and humankind is
reconciled with God! Therefore, heavenly Father, in the joy of this night,
receive our evening sacrifice of praise, your Church's solemn offering.
Accept this Easter candle. May it always dispel the darkness of this night!
May the Morning Star which never sets find this flame still burning: Christ,
that Morning Star, who returned from the dead and shed his peaceful light
on all humankind. (Exultet, Easter Vigil liturgy)
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