Reclaiming And Proclaiming The Light

"Then God said: 'Let there be light.' And there was light." (cf. Genesis 1:3)

There are parallels between the creation of the world and our salvation (one might even say our re-creation). For example, as creation was enveloped in darkness, so was its re-creation. Remember, darkness covered the earth in the beginning and also at the death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The darkness in the beginning would not relent until God spoke. The darkness known as death, brought into the world by Original Sin, would not relent until God again spoke.

And what did God speak? In true Triune language, Himself. The Prologue of the Gospel of St. John captures the essence of this meaning. Word and Light came forth, as we profess in the Nicene Creed. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, was present in both events, invisible at the first but incarnate at the second.

In fact, His triumph over sin and death is what we celebrate tonight. What better reminder of this fact than the juxtaposition of the two icons which entered the Church during Her liturgies--the Cross on Good Friday and the Pascal Candle tonight. Both will stop three times on their way to the altar, each accompanied by their respective proclamation and response. The wood of the Cross reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for us; the wax and wick of the candle, the ultimate salvation won by Christ for us.

It may have been the ultimate darkness that particular Passover, but it didn't last.

"What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:3b-5)

"On this, your night of grace, O holy Father, accept this candle, a solemn offering,...this gift from your most holy Church."

Both the English and Latin forms of the chant are provided for your meditation.