What makes tonight different than any other night? This is a question that is asked on Passover in Jewish homes, and the answer revolves around the food and how it is eaten. However, this question came into my mind tonight prior to the Easter Vigil. Tonight is different than all other nights because it is the night when death was banished and sin repaid; tonight Christ broke the chains of death and sin and rose again for us.
Tonight was the Easter Vigil. We keep watch as darkness gives way to light. We began our night in darkness, lit only by candles in our hands as we processed into the church building. Slowly, light began to filter in. One reading at a time, one sung Psalm at a time. Seven Old Testament readings, seven sung Psalms, and seven prayers...all before we read the words of a New Testament reading. Then in the culmination of the return of light and hope, the reading from the Gospel of Mark about the Resurrection of the Christ!
Tonight is different than other nights. Tonight we had people baptised into the church. Tonight we had people go forward for confirmation who never had, in addition to those baptised. Tonight we renewed our baptismal vows.
Tonight is different than other nights, for tonight more than any other, we recognize that Christ has risen from the dead. Tonight we gaze upon the crucifix and know, all that suffering was not for naught; Christ has risen. Tonight Christ returns to the Tabernacle. Tonight the altar is no longer laid bare. Tonight our faith reaches the pinnacle of our liturgical year...Lent is over, Triduum is over, and we are now in the Easter season.
Tonight is different because it begins a time of celebration, because on this night, the tomb became empty. Christ rose and we became new creations.
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