We find our way only through the Light of Christ

We find our way only through the Light of Christ

Light; how wonderful an element that is life bringing life.  “Then God said, Let there be light.”   “God saw how good the light was.” (Gn 1: 3 - 4).

“What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  (Jn 1: 4 - 5).

When the Easter candle leads the mourners away from the tomb to the light that is risen the world is no longer in darkness.  Jesus has overcome death and the promise our Father so wonderfully professed beginning with Genesis is now the I AM in the flesh.  

Beginning with the call of Abraham God sets a path that will ultimately end with the crucifixion/death/resurrection of Christ and his people will now understand the faith-filled divine action of the Incarnation to the Ascension and freedom from eternal death.

The essential meaning of light (Paschal candle), water (Baptism), and the Exultet proclamation will bring all who appeared lost, to the presence of Jesus who was dead now is alive.  All he told his followers now comes to fruition as his wounds are a testimony to the very prediction from earliest scriptures.  

“If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the Lord shall be accomplished through him.  Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days;  Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.  Therefore, I will give him his portion among the great, and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty, because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; And he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.”  (Is 53: 10 - 12)  last verses of the 4th suffering servant song.  

This leads to the final chapter when from the cross Jesus says;  “It is finished”  (Jn 19: 30). His mission, now completed, prepares us for this Easter Vigil; Joy, exultation, freedom from the fear of eternal death, and the mandate to carry on the mission for you and me.  “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am always with you, until the end of the age.”  (Mt. 28: 19 - 20).

Ralph B. Hathaway