Is there such a thing as a “new tradition?” Let’s hope so!
Though it is not possible for us to gather in our parish church for the celebration of the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday, we can still be united in our prayer. A most striking and moving element of the Easter Vigil liturgy occurs at its beginning. The Easter fire is blessed, the Paschal candle is lit, and its light is shared with all who received the Light of Christ at Baptism. Later in the Mass, the newly Baptized receive a lighted candle and are asked to “keep its flame burning brightly.”
This year (and under these extraordinary circumstances), may we ask you to consider putting up “Easter Lights” as a sign of solidarity? The aim of this “new tradition” is to invite everyone in the parish to engage in communicating both faith and hope to our neighbors – and to be a sign of encouragement and support to all who are suffering.
Beginning at 7pm on April 11th, Holy Saturday, and through May 31, Pentecost Sunday, we can use the symbol of light as an outward sign of the prayers burning in our hearts – and as a reminder that the Light has come into our world and has conquered even death.
You can use any lights, but you might want to bring out some Christmas lights which you just got done storing away! Wrap a strand around a door or window, visible to all who pass, or place a flower wreath on a door and weave through it a strand of light. You could also place a votive candle in a window or somewhere else in your home. Be creative! Each night, as you “turn on the lights,” say a prayer to the One “who sheds His peaceful light on all humanity” (from the Exsultet at the Easter Vigil) for an end to the pandemic. Let’s unite with one another in prayer in the soon-to-arrive Easter season and remind one another (and our neighbors) that we are never beyond the reach of God. Join together in lighting up the world, starting here in North Portland!
