Daily Retreat 04/11/09

2009 Apr 11 Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil
Gn 1:1--2:2/ Ps 103(104) or Ps 32(33)
Gn 22:1-18/ Ps 15(16)
Ex 14:15--15:1/ Ex 15 canticle
Is 54:5-14/ Ps 29(30)
Is 55:1-11/ Is 12 canticle
Bar 3:9-15.32--4:4/ Ps 18(19)
Ez 36:16-28/ Ps 41(42) or Ps 50(51)
Rom 6:3-11/ Ps 117(118)
Lk 24:1-12

In earlier times, the faithful would keep a sacred vigil throughout this entire night, waiting for the dawn of the Easter resurrection.  Now, parishes are allowed to begin the Easter Vigil Mass anytime after sundown.  The Vigil begins with the lighting of the new Easter fire and candle, then after the singing of the Exultet, a rich selection of scripture readings follow.

These readings (indicated above) form a synopsis of salvation history to the time of Christ, starting with Creation, continuing with the liberation of the Exodus, and then the unfolding of the prophetic promises of the Messiah.

Even if you don’t normally read the Bible, take the time tonight to read through ALL these scripture passages as the ideal way to prayerfully finish your preparation for Easter.