Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Easter Vigil

Tonight was a special night for me on so very many levels. Last year, I was a Candidate, brought into the Catholic Church. I was nervous, a bit afraid, and convinced I'd screw my role up in the liturgy. Tonight, I was amongst the parish congregation, and I looked out upon those who were entering and I earnestly prayed for them, knowing how all 19 of them must feel. Tonight, a friend's mother came home to the Church after a long absence, and I imagine was welcomed just as warmly as these people who have professed their faith in Christ and His Church were.

I sat in the back, near our baptismal font to watch as people were brought into Christ by baptism. Little did I know that in sitting where I did, I would come to represent the Church to those around me. For seated before, behind, and to the left of me, were many of the families of those whom were entering into the Church on this evening. I felt the eyes of many of them upon me, as the Catholic, to know when to stand and to sit, as well as when to kneel. I always gave the small children a smile as they ran amok around me, for did our Savior not say that the small children should come unto Him? I would never condemn a child within the walls of a church, no matter if I was annoyed or not, I would be unable to do so, because they are a blessing from the Lord.

I could not stop smiling on this holy day. I just couldn't. Between every prayer and reading and responsorial psalm, my smile remained. It was my one year anniversary, and I could not stop praying for those who were going through what I had gone through last year. I was filled with joy, and I still am.

It's almost a strange feeling after so long wandering in the desert, a good six or more months almost now. I pray that the Lord sees fit to keep me out of the Desert now, but if it is His Will, I would willingly go back. For as He guided the Israelites, so too will He guide all who have faith in Him.

Hail, Lord of Glory. Risen Christ. For Your tomb was empty, Your burial cloth all that remained! You are Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thank you Lord Jesus. May my heart continue to be filled with fire for You. Pentecost comes soon Lord, the descent of Your Holy Spirit.

Oh...and as a bit of a Post Script. Last year, Father Casey nearly caught himself on fire lighting the paschal candle in the high winds outside at the bonfire. This year I told him I was truly pleased to see he didn't catch himself on fire. The new members were confused, but his grimace and thanks told it all; he understood. ;)

Come Holy Spirit, Christ is risen!