The Great Vigil of Easter
The Great Vigil of Easter takes place in the dark before Easter Day. In our parish in recent years, we have observed it on Saturday night before Easter, but it can also be customary to keep the vigil before dawn on Easter day. If possible, you are invited to join with the parish for the lighting of the new fire and the vigil readings via Zoom. Or else, you could do the readings for yourself. There are many variations, but here are five to read. Try to have a time of silence between each one.
Genesis 1:1-2:4
Genesis 22:1-18
Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 and Exodus 15:1-13, 17-18
Isaiah 55:1-11
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Focal shelf
Place a candle on your focal shelf, ready to light at the right time. If you’re keen, you could place lots of candles – maybe even fill your whole house!
Meal
Tonight’s meal is a feast. Lent is over! Easter has begun! Why not make an effort with your table decorations? Time for a fancy table cloth, your best silverware and some flowers or other decorations! When we finish our vigil readings on Zoom, it’s time for the feasting to begin. Some of us will stay on Zoom to share the feast together – remember that a feast is not about the amount of food but the people with whom you share it.
Inner Life
Before the celebrations of the evening, take some time to rest. On this day, Jesus ‘rested’ in the tomb. It was as if the whole world was holding its breath. Maybe you have been holding something in for a while? Take some time to breathe, to let go, and invite the Spirit to move through you.