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Karen Mentlewski is the director of religious education at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Clovis, California.
© Karen Mentlewski. Many not be reproduced without permission. |
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When Heaven Is Wedded to Earth
Karen Mentlewski
Spring—a time for new beginnings. Twelve people have prepared for the night that will change their lives—the Easter Vigil. It is dusk—eight o'clock p.m. on the night before Easter. At the front doors of the church, parishioners have gathered around a large copper tray in which a fire is crackling. As the flames produce sparks and popping sounds, Father Robert Borges, the parish parochial vicar, blesses the Easter fire and lights the three-foot-tall Paschal candle. In procession, everyone walks into the dark church. "Christ, our Light. Thanks be to God." As the ancient acclamation is sung three times, the flame of the Paschal candle is used to light the small candles that are being held by each person in the church. In a matter of moments, the completely dark church is bathed in soft candlelight.
"This is the night when Christians everywhere announce God's glory." The "Exultet" is sung a capella by Father Robert even though his throat is still raw from a bad cold. Everyone stands during this Easter Proclamation while holding their candles. Everyone that is, except for twelve nervously excited people. These are the elect who are going to be baptized tonight. They are standing, but in a small area of darkness, for they have not yet received the Light of Christ. They listen as the mysteries of God are sung in wonder and awe. "Night truly blessed, when heaven is wedded to earth."
The "Exultet" is finished and the candles are extinguished and collected. The people settle in their pews and darkness envelops them once again. It is time to hear seven appointed readings from The Old Testament. Beginning with the story of creation, salvation history is retold again tonight as it has been on this night for many centuries. Psalms are interspersed with the proclamation of the Scripture readings and give a feeling of wonder as they are sung in much the same way as our ancestors sang before us. "Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God."
And then, it is time for joy! As the jubilant sound of the "Gloria" is sung by the choir with the organ thundering mightily, the lights of the church come on and people blink their eyes in surprise. The sanctuary, previously barren during the preceding six weeks of Lent, has now been filled with beautiful bouquets of flowers. Easter lilies are everywhere, blending their scents with the incense of the Mass. The altar linens are resplendent in gold and white and the bells are being rung during the entire song. "Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on Earth!"
The Easter gospel story is then retold as it has been for almost two thousand years. "Jesus, who was crucified is risen from the dead! Let us be glad and rejoice!" Father Raul Sanchez, the parish pastor, shares this exciting message with all and gives particular attention to the seventeen who now know that their life-changing moments are almost here. They squirm in their pews in anticipation and finally the twelve Catechumens are asked to follow Father Robert to the baptismal font. On their way, the "Litany of Saints" is sung and the names of those great followers of Christ who have gone before us in faith provide a rich heritage of which these Catechumens will now become a part. At the font, the water is blessed and baptismal promises are made. "Christopher Ryan, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Alleluia!" Eleven more times, holy water is poured over the heads of the elect as the assembly watches and prays. Happy family members take pictures and wipe tears from their eyes. Each newly-baptized "neophyte" receives a white robe and a very large candle, each being lit from the Paschal candle. "Receive the light of Christ."
As the twelve neophytes stand in front of the assembly, applause breaks out to welcome these newest members of our faith.
But there is more joy for the neophytes to experience because they are now invited to the full place at the eucharistic banquet. For so long they have waited for this precious gift. They have watched as family members and friends have shared this food for the soul and waited for the time when they, too, would be able to share in communion. Finally, the moment arrives. "The Body of Christ. Amen. The Blood of Christ. Amen."
Three hours have passed—it is now 11:00 p.m. Father Robert concludes the Mass with the special Easter blessing and the choir begins the sending forth song. The twelve clothed in white walk joyfully in procession out of the church. Around the bell tower they wait for family and friends to rejoin them and soon the flashes of cameras in the dark night light up the jubilant faces of loved ones. Plans are made among themselves to continue the celebration. "We're hungry—what restaurant is still open this late? Carrows? Denny's? Taco Bell?"
As I walk back into the church to collect white robes, leftover worship aides, and Kleenexes, I realize that yes, indeed, Spring is here. The Springtime of the Lord. The time for new beginnings, for happiness, for bright colors, and for flowery fragrances. The radiant faces of these new Catholics erase my exhaustion and help me to look forward to continuing the journey with these neophytes and with those still preparing for immersion into Christ. This is my Spring Fest. "Alleluia! The Lord is risen!"
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