Vigiling and the Liturgy of the Word
After the Exsultet, we sit and we listen to our family story. This time is not unlike a family meal at holiday times. “Remember the time when little Johnny did this?” “Remember the time when Susie did that?” We are recalling for ourselves—and especially for those who will join us in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist this evening—who our “family” is.
Over the course of the readings, we recall that we are a family created in God’s image and placed in a world of God's making to be fruitful and multiply. We are a family of saints—Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Baruch, Ezekiel, Paul, Mary Magdalene. We are a family of sinners—Adam and Eve cast out of Paradise, the Israelites doubting that God would save them.
It is a long story, and it is possible to have 9 readings not counting the psalms. It is not required to proclaim them all. Parishes will choose what works best for the community. You are invited to read them all for private prayer outside of Mass in order to reflect on our salvation history.
Reading 1: Genesis 1:1-2:2 God created the world and found it to be very good. God created humans in God’s image. Human beings are stewards of the earth and its creatures.
Reading 2: Genesis 22:1-18 Abraham is ready to sacrifice his only son Isaac to God. God stops Abraham and makes a covenant with Abraham and his descendants. “I will bless you abundantly.”
Reading 3: Exodus 14:15-15:1 The Israelites are saved by God from slavery in Egypt. The Red Sea parts and allows them to travel on dry land, but the Egyptians are killed as the water flowed back.
Reading 4: Isaiah 54:5-14 God renews the covenant and promises the people peace and justice.
Reading 5: Isaiah 55:1-11 God invites us to a feast. God’s word goes forth to fulfill God’s will.
Reading 6: Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4 Find the place of wisdom; walk by her light toward splendor.
Reading 7: Ezekiel 36:16-17, 18-28 God will cleanse us, give us a new heart, and place a new spirit within us.
Epistle: Romans 6:3-11 Through baptism, we have died with Christ to our old lives of sin; we now rise with Christ to newness of life.
Gospel, Cycle C: Luke 24:1-12 The tomb is empty. Angels tell the women that Christ has risen.
