Saturday, April 8th
Scripture
Gn 1:1-2:2, Ps 104: 1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35; Gn 22: 1-2, 9-13, 15-18, Ps 16: 5, 8-11 Ex 14: 15 – 15: 1, Ps Ex 15: 1-6, 17-18; Is 54: 5-14, Ps 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13 Is 55: 1-11, Is 12: 2-6; Bar 3: 9-15, 32-4:4, Ps 19: 8-11 Ez 36: 16-28, Ps 42: 3, 5; 43: 3, 4; Rom 6: 3-11, Ps 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23 Mt 28: 1-10
Reflection
“Living for God in Christ Jesus” Rom. 6:11
“An angel of the Lord. . .rolled back the stone” Mt. 28: 2
A story is told: A Master holds an aspiring disciple under water. Lifting the inquirer out of the water he asks, “How much did you want air?” “More than life itself,” the inquirer says. “When you want God that much, you are ready!” Do we desire God that much, for ourselves, for everyone? If so we are ready for this Vigil!
Today is tomb time–between times–Vigil time. We wait praying for heightened desire to live for God (Love). Catechumens understand. Expectantly waiting, mysteriously a boulder rolls away. Eyes, ears, heart, mind open. Illumination! What was experienced as isolated, inferior, meaningless now belongs, is noble and connected! Everything in cosmic history, every part of life–a gift–Infinite Love (Christ) rising, even in us! We too belong in Christ living only for Love! As Thomas Aquinas says: There are really two resurrections: The first is waking up in this lifetime; If we do this, the second will take care of itself. Pray!
Prayer
Christ, crying out in Earth and her Poor, rise in us with heightened desire. Roll away boulders of separation and illusion. Illumine our minds with the radiance of your presence throughout the cosmos. Breathe courage in us to be your transformed community alive with your care for all creation.
Personal Challenge
I proclaim: I DO REJECT what prevents Love’s flow through me.
I DO BELIEVE in Christ Risen in all creation! I will so live!
Sister Pat Bergen, CSJ
Westchester, IL
