Homily of Easter Vigil by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

HE HAS RISEN

image from: God and Logic: Expert Witnesses on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (god-and-logic.blogspot.com)

(Mark 16:1-7) 

This is the great night, the holy night, the night of battles, the night when the light conquered darkness. This is the night that gave meaning to our living. This is the very night when  Good and evil fought and good won and our salvation is bought. 

This is the night of vigil and indeed the mother of all holy vigils. The Gospel presents us the story of the first faithful Christians who kept this vigil. They are the women   Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome.

Death could not hinder their love for Christ. They longed to preserve His Holy Body by anointing it.   They had concerns and worries but pushed on. The darkness couldn't stop them, fear of the unknown and of the soldiers was not a barrier for them. They couldn't sleep but remained in their Holy wish to have Jesus live on with them. There was no meaning in their activities without Christ. They are as good as dead without Christ. They were motivated by their goodwill and love for God. 

They saw the stone rolled back. They saw the empty tomb. They saw the angel. They received a message: "You seek Jesus of Nazareth... He is risen".

Alleluia. Child of God, who do you seek tonight?  Are you among those who really sought the face of God during the just concluded Lenten Season?  Do you seek Jesus? There's a Good News for you: He is risen!

He is risen for you to be free, He has risen to take control over your being. He has risen above your problems. He has risen to wipe your tears. He rises to dispel the darkness of your life. He has risen that you may be jubilant once again. He has risen to restore you. He has risen to transfer you from darkness to light, from sin to holiness, from sickness to health, from death to life, from damnation to salvation.

Arise and carry the message of tonight to your family, to your community, to your workplace, to your office, to your Church. The Lord has conquered. He makes you a missionary of joy. You will sow joy wherever you go.  You will be a monstrance that show God's constant love and power to the world. 

Let Alleluia be in your mouth again. The Lord has risen to give you reason to pick up all you have lost. Put on your candle. Keep this holy vigil. Take back your position as the child of God. Renounce Satan and all his operations and manipulations over your life. Let the light of Christ shine in your life. Let Him see you close to His side on the resurrection morning. 

Having died with Christ in baptism, renew that baptismal promises you made long ago and rise with Christ into newness of life.

You can't be an Alleluia Christian and remain the same. Christ has renewed you and given you new birth and life through His death.

LET US PRAY

Oh God, may I be among those who will rejoice in the fullness of joy that flows from the graces of your resurrection. Let no power steal the joy of this holy night and season from me. It is indeed my season of joy. Alleluia. May your name be glorified and exalted Oh Jesus forever and ever. Amen

Happy Easter( Easter vigil, Yr B) 

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh