After the journey of Lent, after walking with Christ through this Holy Week, tonight we gather, enveloped in light and music, to celebrate that we do not have to be afraid. He has been raised just as he said – Alleluia!
Our Scripture readings tonight are a journey through salvation history. In every reading, we hear more details, we gain more insight into this God of might who created all things and who looked at us and found us very good. We are reminded of God’s power as he frees the Israelites from slavery by leading them through the waters. We enter into the hope of the prophets as they speak of God’s unfolding plan of salvation.
But none of this was enough. This God of love and might still longed to draw us closer, to finally heal the separation of sin, to give us newness of life. He sought to free us from the slavery of sin finally and absolutely. The final enemy, the ultimate barrier, the consequence of our sin – death – must be defeated.
Still, death itself stood as a barrier. So Life himself entered in. When the Source of all life submits even to death on a cross, just as darkness cannot stand when light enters in, so too death could not stand.
This is our hope. Risen from the grave, Jesus says to us, as he said to Mary Magdalene: Do not be afraid. There is no darkness into which Christ has not entered, and he will walk with us into whatever we may face. The God who defeated death has given himself to us in all the sacraments, and in a particular way in the Eucharist. He is here, pouring out his power and strength on us, tenderly giving himself to us so that we can share his everlasting life.
As we prepare to welcome new members on this holy night, may we who have been baptized into Christ Jesus see in these waters the saving power of God that walked with the Israelites and that frees us still. May we, in the anointing with chrism in confirmation, be reminded of the Spirit’s gifts and power that have been given to us. And may we rejoice together in the union of the Body of Christ, made real in this Blessed Sacrament.
This night is, indeed, a night when, like Peter, we will go home amazed at what has happened. Jesus has died and been raised to new life. In him, we live in the hope of joining with all who have come to believe this for all eternity before the face of God. Alleluia! Praise God!