Praying Lent: Preparing for the Easter Vigil

Abstract

Text from the first three paragraphs of "Praying Lent: Preparing for the Easter Vigil"|Darkness - The Easter Vigil begins with darkness. The darkness itself is the first movement of the liturgy, so we begin our preparations with that darkness. It represents all darkness, and all the meanings of darkness - devoid of light; evil thoughts, motivations, deeds; all that is hidden and secret, deceitful and dishonest, divisive and abusive, immoral and sinful. It's the darkness of our world, and the darkness in my heart. If I come to the vigil and restlessly and impatiently fidget in the dark "until something happens," I miss the power of what is about to happen. So, we prepare by readying ourselves to experience the darkness. It is distasteful and reprehensible, embarrassing and humbling, fearful and despairing.|Then a light is struck. It breaks into the darkness."Make this new fire holy, and inflame us with new hope." "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds."|The Light of Christ The candle lit from the new fire is then processed into the community, and we receive its light and experience the power of that light as it grows. When the candle is brought front and center, we hear the Easter Proclamation, or Exultet. [It can be found in the Online Ministries at: www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/exultet.html]]