Saturday, April 4, 2026
Genesis 1:1 - 2:2
Exodus 15:1-2, 19, 20-22
Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4
Romans 6:3-11
Matthew 28:1-10

The Easter Vigil – an in-between time, a thin place, a vigil that marks the moment between the actual death of the human Jesus AND a totally unique and unexpected inbreaking of new life.

The pattern of the whole paschal mystery is borne out repeatedly in creation. Scripturally, we have God encountering chaos and, with a powerful word, bringing forth order and abundant life – that is all seen as very good!

Interweaving the scientific perspective, evolutionary cosmologist Brian Swimme says, “The explosion of a star is the primary revelation of God's love. The star dies — its final act of generosity — and in that gift, life in the universe is born. The Paschal mystery is woven into the very fabric of the universe.”¹

We see this pattern of the paschal mystery repeatedly in our lives. We are in a time when many precious sisters, friends, and family members are passing on to new life. There is deep sadness over our loss, and, at the same time, gratitude for their lives, and eventually, a new relationship – since we know and trust that we are still connected, though in a different way.

Just like for the two Marys at the tomb in today’s Gospel. They went to anoint Jesus’ body. They had no hope beyond caring for the body of their beloved friend and guide. But they were open to see the unexpected. The guards were not prepared for what they saw and they became as if dead. They could not take in this new life, this new possibility, this presence of the divine before them.

But the women could. They heard unbelievable news that Jesus has risen. They didn’t understand it, but in the midst of their fear they also experienced the joy of hope, and they went forward in spite of all logic. And because they believed, they saw – they saw the risen Jesus – they saw a possibility that was unimaginable only moments before. They were welcomed, loved, and sent forth to preach.

Now we know all reality did not change at that moment. The oppressive Romans would still be in charge for many years, and persecution of those who followed Christ would begin. But, in a sense, everything did change – this is the moment the reign of God which brought hope began in a new way – a way that gave people courage, a way that gave people the ability to see the deeper divine reality of all creation, a way that inspired people to strive toward the fullness of the reign of God.

We are still in that thin place – a place of liminality between the presence of the reign of God that Jesus announced and its fulfillment.

And we are called to continue the journey, much as the women in today’s Gospel did.

We understandably may feel fear, and we can also feel joy in the trust of the ultimate promise and goodness of God.

Our current situation in religious life and in our Congregation can be quite dauting at times. We may feel sad at what we are losing and fearful of what will become of us. But like the women at the tomb, we also remain open to the unexpected, to God breaking in where we never imagined, and we can witness to joy in all the service and love that we have given and received, and still do, knowing that there is an eternal aspect to all we have lived.

The suffering of our world is excruciating for so many and brings us deep sadness. At the same time the paschal mystery tells us not to despair, to be bearers of God’s reign in our own circles, to see and name those who are striving for good, and there are so many, and to know that, just as things can collapse into chaos, so can they rise to justice and goodness – with our cooperation and the Spirit’s inspiration.

We and all of creation live in the Paschal mystery of the Easter Vigil. We know the suffering of Good Friday, the lost feeling of Holy Saturday, and we know the joy of the promise of resurrection – we know it in Christ, and we have tastes of it in our lives and in our world. We remain open to and watchful for the marvelous and unexpected inbreaking of God each day. We may have moments of fear, but we go forth in joy! Alleluia!

 

---

¹ https://www.ciis.edu/news/explore-mystery-cosmic-christ