Day 33, 34 & 35 Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday and Monday

On the Easter Vigil (Saturday Evening) we begin to have hope. New members of the church become full-fledged participants in the celebration of the mass. We light the Easter Vigil candle and pass the light throughout the darkened church to symbolize that Jesus Christ brings light to all who were once in darkness by His sacrafice, in dying on the cross. He is the light of the world. He frees us sin and death, and in doing so He grants us eternal salvation.

On Easter Sunday, we REJOICE: for Jesus is risen! And we can once again say/sing "Hallelujah" -- for this word is not part of the weekly celebration of the mass during Lent. My 5 year old -- who just turned 6 ... we celebrated her birthday with family on Easter this year -- was overjoyed when the closing song for the Easter Sunday mass was "Alleluia, Alleluia!" "Mommy we get say to say 'Hallelujah' again!" She shouted, grinning from ear to ear.

I hope that all of you had a blessed weekend, and Easter celebration -- for those of you who celebrated. I hope that your hearts feel lighter and that your lives are brighter. I hope that Jesus' command to "love one another" remains with us all. And that His PEACE fill ours lives and spreads to others throughout the world, just like the light of the Easter Vigil candle spreads through the darkened church during the mass of the Easter Vigil.

During Lent, I am especially reminded that we are not only called to "love one another", but we are called to serve one another as well. [ "Faith and Works," James 2:14-26 ]

I have tried to teach this to my children. This year we visited a Nursing home and spent time with elderly people who are often lonely and isolated. It was very rewarding for the children as well as the elderly nursing home residents. I am sure that we will go back again soon. Life can be busy and overwhelming for all of us at times, but we should all strive to think others when we can and to teach (by our example) our children this as well. Sometimes giving of our time can be much more meaningful than just giving of our treasure.

God Bless and keep praying for PEACE and for those who have received the Holy Spirit, that they will seek out God's word and knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. For He [Jesus Christ] is risen and the Advocate that He promised, the Holy Spirit, is alive among us. Allelulia! Allelulia!