Before I go any further though - Happy Birthday to my sister! She's getting on a bit, poor thing, but is having a lovely weekend away ... which presumably explains why I haven't been able to get through to her today! Hope she's having a great day.
Anyway. Back to church ...
We went straight to the Garden for the opening of the service. A large crowd had already gathered by the time I arrived, even though there was still some time before the service began. Candles were handed out, and I smiled as I watched the children jumping up, holding their candles high in the air, shouting "I'm the highest! I'm the highest!" I waited for them to start using them as swords, which is what the long, thin candles with their circular hand guard reminded me of, and, sure enough, eventually two boys began a play fight ... but they were quickly stopped by their mother, with a firm "Don't do that, you might break them."
Eventually the priest, in his white robes, appeared, preceded by all the altar servers, also all in white. The children returned to their parents, the priest outlined what would be happening, and the service began.
The fire was lit, and the blessing said over it. The new Paschal Candle, tall, white, with the red top, was brought forward. The priest said a few words, blessing the candle, remembering the Alpha and the Omega, marking the sign of the cross and the five wounds in the wax. Then he said another prayer, this time pushing the special incense sticks into the candle. Then the Paschal Candle was lit ... the light of Christ has come into the world!
We processed back into the church, clutching our candles ... the church was still in darkness, we were still waiting for the light of Christ, but what a transformation had taken place since the bleakness, the emptiness of Good Friday. In between the Stations of the Cross were wreathes of yellow and white flowers, and the Sanctuary was full of flowers. The three empty crosses were no longer standing on the rocky hill of Golgotha ... instead, they had been transformed into the Garden which held Joseph of Arimethea's tomb, where Jesus' body had been laid, a garden full of blossoms, chicks, and a small figure holding the pearl of great price.We took our places in darkness, then the priest's voice could be heard: this is the light of Christ! We sang back, Alleluia. At the back of the church, a light was beginning to dawn ... candles were lit from the Paschal candle, and this light was passed on, and on, and on, until the church flickered with hundred of tiny flames. Take my message, and spread it throughout the world ... this little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine ...
Eventually, all our candles were lit, and the priest and altar servers were at the front of the church. The Paschal Candle was plunged in the water in the font, a prayer said. The readings began ... we remembered the creation ... In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth ... there was darkness ... God said, Let there be light! and there was light ... we moved on to Exodus ... the Israelites escaping from the Egyptians through the parted waters of the Red Sea ... Isaiah, Come to the waters ... without money, without price ... all who are thirsty, come to the waters ... The bells rang, and at that sign, the lights came on, the candles in the Sanctuary were lit, and we were in darkness no longer. Hope spreads, our hearts rise. The readings moved from light to water, the next symbol in the Mass ... Romans, then the Gospel from Luke: Why do you look for the living among the dead? And so, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
There were three adults baptised tonight, and another three confirmed as members of the Church. This part of the service always reminds me of when I joined the Church. It is very moving and symbolic. The three catechumens went forward, with their godparents. One by one they were asked, Do you renounce Satan, and all his works? Do you believe in God the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit? Then each was anointed with oil, the symbol of the Holy Spirit, anointed with a prayer for strength. Next, each went forward, tipping their head over the font, which was next to the Paschal Candle. Three times, using a shell, a reminder, perhaps, of John the Baptist baptising in the river, the priest poured the water over their heads. I baptise you in the name of the Father ... and the Son ... and the Holy Spirit. The three catechumens went back to their places, and their godparents unfurled beautiful white silk scarves, and spread them over the shoulders of their godchild. Keep this pure until you meet the Lord in heaven ... Finally, each was given a candle, lit from the Paschal Candle.
The three candidates were then able to go forward, to make their promises, to be anointed, to receive their candle. Then we all remade our baptismal promises.
We had moved from the symbolism of light to that of water. Jesus reveals the truth, and cleanses us from sin.
The offerings were made, the Eucharistic prayers said, the long liturgy of prayers to the saints sung, communion received, prayers made ... Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, Alleluia, Alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia.Another service full of symbolism, hope, love and peace.
Happy Easter everyone!
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