The Exsultet Prayer of the Easter Vigil
The U.S. Bishops provide the text for the Exsultet , the centuries-old hymn to the Paschal candle -- the symbol of the Resurrection of Our Lord from the dead.
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Holy Saturday reflection
Holy Saturday is a good day to reflect on the line in the Apostles' Creed (prayed with the Rosary) that Christ descended into hell before he rose from the dead. That is, that he announced to all those who had died after living a good life who had been waiting for salvation that He their Savior had come. Here's a more detailed reflection on just what that means. This has been depicted beautifully in art (see image above) and in poetry, such as this powerful ancient homily from the Church's breviary: The Lord's descent into the underworld Something strange is happening – there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear. He has gone to search for our first parent, as f...
Praying at the tomb
The Church has an ancient tradition of "praying at the tomb" in the parish churches after the Good Friday liturgy until the celebration of the Easter Vigil. The churches are stripped of all sacramentals such as holy water and even the altar is stripped. The tabernacle lamp is extinguished and the tabernacle door is left open. All of these symbolizes the death of Christ, Who lay dead in the tomb for three days. Only the Cross used for adoration surrounded by candles remains in the Church. It is a time for quiet prayer and deep meditation on the depth of God's love for us. Since many of the churches are not open due to the epidemic, I encourage you to find some quiet time at home today to pray in gratitude for the saving Passion and Death of Our Lord. One possible set of prayers to pray is this reflection on the Last Words of Christ from the Magnificat devotional magazine. (The photo above is St. Peter' Church in New Richmond...