There are certain movie scenes, songs, and events that never cease to give me the chills. I come from a family with a long history of replaying movies over and over again, and even playing records and CD’s until they are worn out and no longer work. I’m a sucker for the big dramatic payoff after a long set up, whether it’s in a movie, song, or book. But all these experiences seem artificial and contrived when compared to the great liturgies of Holy Week.

All through Lent we see a toned-down liturgy with simpler tunes, less instrumental music, and more sparse decorations. During Holy Week we see a crescendo of this trend in the bare altar of Good Friday and the darkness of the beginning of the Easter Vigil. Then, in a moment that brings me great joy every year, we see the Church illuminated by the spreading of the Easter Candle’s light, and then the Church celebrates by erupting into the Gloria, singing praise for the miraculous triumph of Our Lord over death itself.

The Exsultet, an ancient hymn sung at the beginning of the Easter Vigil that tells of God’s saving work in the history of the covenant he has forged with us, encapsulates the mission and appropriate response to the Easter miracle of Our Lord’s Resurrection. “Now we know the praises of this pillar, which glowing fire ignites for God's honor, a fire into many flames divided, yet never dimmed by sharing of its light.”

At Easter, we recall the saving mystery that restored us to life, and then like the flames which multiply throughout the church, we go out to the world to spread the message of our salvation in Christ. We come together into the church to receive the Light of Christ, and then we go forth to spread it, knowing that the Light of Christ is not diminished within us when we share it, but rather is increased so as to give light to a world in need.

This Easter, may we rejoice as God’s Holy People, coming together to receive the gift of His light and His Grace, and then go out to preach the Gospel to the world, as Christ sends us out to do. Know of our continued prayers for all of you here in the region, and may we always draw closer to Our Father through His Son, in the Holy Spirit in all things.

Prayers always,
Fr. McCullough and Fr. Lambert