The Easter Vigil, on Holy Saturday, is my favorite mass of the year. There is so much from the mass to think about and reflect on. One of the main themes that resonates throughout the mass is light. Once everyone heads back inside to the church after the blessing of the fire and lighting of the Paschal candle, everyone at the mass lights their individual candles. It is a profound moment, as we turn to the people next to us and around us in the pews to pass on our light, the light that we get from the Paschal candle, symbolizing the light of Christ. It is a powerful point of the night. As I watched the light spread throughout the church, I was reminded that this is exactly how it is supposed to be in our lives. We all must receive the light of Jesus and share that light with those around us.
Thinking about this significant part of the Easter Vigil brings to mind the call that each of us has to bear the light of Christ to others. The world is a dark place. And we must respond to that darkness by carrying His light, illuminating the world around us. How do we do this?
It is simple, but not always easy. It comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and allowing that relationship to have an effect on our lives, radiating through the way we live. Through sharing our faith, love, hope, and joy, the light of Christ that is burning within will shine through. And when it gets hard, we need to remember that we don’t have to try to keep the light burning on our own. God places people in our lives who will be lights to us, helping us to reignite our flame when it grows dim or to make sure it stays burning brightly. And we must continue to pass on this light.
Am I bearing the light of Christ to the world around me? What areas of my life can I allow His light to shine brighter? How can I bring His light to my encounters with others? As I reflect on these questions today and in the days going forward, I pray that the Lord would fill each of us with His love and His light, and let it burn so brightly that through us, others might see Him. Let’s spread His light throughout the world!
Faith and The Good Stuff 