Easter Sunday | The Resurrection of the Lord
Two lights dominate our Easter Vigil: the light from the Easter candle and the light from the sun that rises this morning. Both represent Christ, but they stand for two ways we experience Christ’s light. The candle is Christ’s light in this world; the sun is Christ’s life beyond this world.
We entered this dark church at the Easter Vigil early this morning with only the light of the Easter candle to guide us, chanting, “Christ our light; thanks be to God.” Christ leads us out of the darkness of sin and death, and we receive our light from him. As we each lit our candles from the Easter candle, we spread his light further and brighter.
Our light comes from Christ; we need his grace to do good and be a light to others. But just as the candlelight needs the fuel of the wax to keep burning, the light of Christ needs our talents and human efforts to keep shining in us. Each of us is like the candle we carried into the church this morning. We can’t create the light of Christ in ourselves, but once we receive it in baptism, the Eucharist, and by faith, we can use the wax of our skill, service, sacrifice, and love to keep it lit and shed Christ’s light on those around us.
The other light representing Christ is the sun, the permanent light in the heavens that we do not carry but only bask in. Even more than the light from the candle, this light not only lights our way in the darkness, it gives life to everything on earth. Christ is our light and our life.
“Christ our Light; thanks be to God.” Thanks be to God for giving us his Son to lead us out of the darkness of sin and death. Thanks be to God that we have received Christ’s light in his word, baptism, and call to discipleship. Thanks be to God that we can use our skill, efforts, and even our suffering to share Christ’s light with others. Thanks be to God, who destined us to enjoy his light and love forever with him in heaven.
On behalf of all the monks and seminarians, I wish you a Blessed and Glorious Easter. May Christ our Light shine brightly on you and your family today and always!
Reflection by Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources