As we step into the darkness of this evening, we are aware that this is different from all other nights. On this night, the luminous light of Christ will curse the darkness.

One of the central images of the Great Easter Vigil is light. This idea of light evokes that well known song often sung at liturgy,

Christ, be our light. Shine in our hearts. Shine in the darkness. Christ, be our light. Shine in your Church gathered today.

Why is this significant for our us?

In the Old Testament the Torah guided us on the journey of life. The psalmist says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path” (119:105). The Word of God is light, guiding us through every valley of life, never lost from God’s reach.

Christians understand this in a transposed key: Jesus, is the light of the world. We heard hints of this in Lent as Jesus healed the blind man.

As we enter this night, the Vigil liturgy begins in darkness. A fire is prepared in this darkness. Fire is blessed and the Paschal Candle is lit and brought into the darkness of the assembly. The light within us will be illumined from this pillar of fire made from the wax of mother bees.

Bees are a beloved creature especially in the liturgy. John Chrysostom said, “The bee is more honored than other animals not because she labors, but because she labors for others.”

Bees are an image of the Church and her motherhood. Delicate and fragile creatures who work together. The queen bees help man to erect this tower of wax that will be lit in the darkness.

This light purges away at the darkness of sin. Illumines the way to life. This is the light that never fades for it is the crucified and glorious Lord who has come back from the dead.

In Baptism we see Christ as the true light. The Elect are immersed into the dark waters three times. Being plunged into the waters is an image of death. They rise from the waters as Christ won life for them. Christ illumined their entire being with his presence through the waters.

To encounter this light on this holy night, the heart moves us to respond. We no longer are able to give speech. We have to sing a new song!

The only word that renders our singing voices is ALLELUIA! When God led his people through the sea, he destroyed his enemies and led his people to freedom. They all sang a new song.

On this night, many will cross the baptismal sea, and Alleluia will evade their hearts with Paschal joy. Alleluia will fill the cosmos with the Cross and Resurrection of Christ, who lifts up all creation to its dignity. ALLELUIA raises us to be who we are in the life of the Trinity. Let us sing with joy to Christ who is our light! He is Risen! He is our reason.