At the Easter Vigil several weeks ago Deacon John Komotos sang the Exsultet also known as the Easter Proclamation. It is one of the most ancient chant pieces in our Catholic liturgy and one of the most beautiful, too. During the singing of the Exsultet the church remains in darkness and only the Paschal Candle and the congregation’s small tapers light the night. It is so named Exsultet because the first word in the Latin version is “exsultet” meaning “rejoice.” The prayer dates back to the seventh century. Before that, the deacon was expected to make one up and chant it! The Exsultet’s music is pure Gregorian Chant.

As a prayer of thanks and praise, the Exsultet shows us that these are days to truly rejoice in all that God has done, in all that God is doing now. And not only us: The Exsultet calls upon all creation to join us in rejoicing: “Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Exult, all creation around God’s throne!” Why? “Jesus Christ our King is risen!”

Make your plans now to plant your garden – even if it’s a small flower bed or window box! Pick up litter as you come and go this week. Recycle as much of your garbage as possible. Do what you can to encourage the earth into exultation.

Light of Christ! Thanks be to God

The Exsultet sings repeatedly of Easter Eve: “This is the night when first you saved our ancestors…this is the night when the pillar of fire destroyed the darkness…This is the night when Christians everywhere …are restored to grace and grow together…This is the night when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death...”

But didn’t these things happen long ago and far away? In one sense, yes. These were historical events that took place in specific places at certain times, once for always. But when we enter into the liturgy, we enter into God’s time (Kairos Time). The saving events of the past are made present to us, and we participate in them.

It’s the same at Christmas when we sing “Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.” It’s not that we pretend that these things did not happen in history, once and for always. Instead, it’s this: With God, goodness is forever and salvation is now.

Light of Christ! Thanks be to God!

At the Easter Vigil, when we give thanks and praise to God for the large Easter Candle that will continue to burn through the entire Easter Season of 50 days, we heard Deacon John Komotos sing that long prayer…The Exsultet:

Accept this Easter Candle, a flame divided but undimmed, a pillar of fire that glows to the honor of God.

Just before the prayer began, the Assembly that night in our church shared the light of the candle, each to each, among all who are baptized. Whenever we share the flame of a candle, one to another, the flame is divided among us. Now usually when we divide something up, it means that what was once a large portion is now several smaller individual portions. But notice what happens with the flame. It does get divided into many individual flames, but the overall effect, the light, actually grows and is brighter. The whole church was lit up on Easter Eve just by the light of candles! (And so was the room!)

This is how it is with Christ. This is how it is with the Eucharist. We break the bread that is Christ’s body. We pour out into the cups the wine that is Christ’s blood. What was one loaf become many pieces. What was one cup becomes many sips. But the overall effect, the mystical body of Christ, this assembly, this church, actually grows stronger, bigger, more loving.

Light of Christ! Thanks be to God!

This week's bulletin is attached below. Hard copies of this weekend’s bulletin are available on the shelf in the vestibule of the rectory office.