If one really thinks about it, there are no words that can truly describe the joy the soul feels about being redeemed. How can our limited minds understand what has really happened? What finite expression could adequately describe an event of infinite love and mercy?
It is Grace; Sanctifying Grace to be most specific. It is a free, unmerited gift from God. He Who bring us into and sustains our existence by His will grants us the privilege to be called adopted children of His through the life, death, and resurrection of His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We are heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven if only we cooperate with this unfathomable power.
Our response to this is also a gift. I am sure one could comb Scriptures to find appropriate promptings inspired by the Holy Spirit. That same Spirit has also led many a saint to convey some sense of this ecstasy. May I submit, however, that the closest we come to the most sincere heart- and soul-filled reply we could have is found in the
Exsultet.
Having had the humble honor of proclaiming this text, even though I am more unworthy than the clerics whose rightful duty it is, it is still in its intonation the closest we can come to joy unbridled. This hymn of glory, laud, and honor to our Redeemer King makes our sweet "Hosanna" ring. It is the true affirmation in our Profession of Faith. It is faith, hope, and love animated completely.
May those who have this role tonight bring forth that joy and set the stage for the rest of the Easter Vigil.
The text, in both
Latin and
English, is provided.
