No Going Back: Easter's Promise of Renewal

This year, Easter Vigil at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish was nothing short of astonishing. For my wife, Cathleen, and me, the mother of all holy vigils is a significant event we look forward to each year. This celebration holds a deeply personal significance, as it was during an Easter Vigil, much like this one, that she was received into the Catholic Church in 2016. As Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez of Puerto Rico puts it, “We live for this night.” This parish is unique in that it offers not one, not two, but three Easter Vigil celebrations in English, Italian, and Spanish! We were there for the English Mass, the first of the evening, unaware of what we were about to witness. 

The liturgy began with a series of readings and Psalms, telling the story of salvation from the creation of the world, through God’s covenant with Abraham, the Passover, and His promise of redemption. These stories reminded us once again how God, from the beginning of the world, has always saved and transformed people’s lives. Throughout these readings, however, our attention kept drifting to a mysterious box next to the altar, adorned with angels. Cathleen asked me what it was, but I was just as puzzled.

The turning point of the evening came with the singing of the Gloria. As our voices rose in singing, the church was suddenly flooded with light, and the ringing of the bells pierced the air. The somber mood of the Lenten season suddenly gave way to the extravagant joy of Easter. You could see the transformation, not only in the surroundings but in the people as well; smiles began to spread across the church, and a palpable sense of happiness filled the air.

But then, something entirely unexpected happened. From the mysterious platform next to the altar, a statue of Jesus slowly emerged, accompanied by smoke and flashing lights. Perhaps this was nothing new to Mary, Mother of the Redeemer parish community, but for us newcomers, the sight was dramatic. Needless to say, this memory will be etched in our minds for years to come.

He is risen indeed!

As the Mass continued, the time for the second Vigil was approaching. We noticed some members of the Italian community beginning to arrive. A humorous thought crossed my mind: “Hope they remember to bring Jesus back down before the people show up.”​

For us Christians, Jesus never “goes back down.”

Christ is risen, and nothing will ever be the same again. St. Augustine once reflected that “in the former period, we train ourselves with fasting and prayer, but in this post-Easter season … we sing Alleluia.” St. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:17-20 that the very power that raised Christ from the dead is now available to us. It is this Paschal joy and power that are at the heart of our Diocesan Renewal. This is a reminder that, with the resurrection of Christ, the sky's the limit!

What better time than Easter to consider how we can bring a fresh start into our own lives and our parish community? First, let’s focus on deepening our personal relationship with the risen Jesus. This can be as simple as dedicating some time to prayer or even incorporating different forms of prayer, such as Lectio Divina, the Examen, or the Liturgy of the Hours. We can also  partake more meaningfully in the Sacraments and study the Word more deeply with FORMED resources or even joining a Bible study group. Rather than things to check off a list, these are opportunities to grow closer to Jesus and be renewed in the process.

Next, let’s look at how we can be engaged in the parish, our local community of fellow followers of Jesus. Every church is made up of people with different talents and gifts, and yours can truly make a difference in renewing your parish. Whether your strengths lie in organization, music, teaching, or simply offering a smile, there’s a place for you. Getting involved is not only about giving of ourselves but also about being witnesses, collectively, to the risen Christ amongst a society plagued by confusion and despair.

Finally, let’s support this renewal with prayer. Ultimately, it is only the Holy Spirit who can open our minds, guide us, and bless our endeavours towards renewal.

Risen Lord, let your face shine on us and renew us!

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Written by Louis Meléndez for Faithfully. Louis is a Caseworker for the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Diocese of Calgary. He and his wife Cathleen came to the Catholic faith in 2015 and 2016, respectively. He is currently studying Canon Law at St. Paul University in Ottawa. His hobbies include translating works from the early Church Fathers into Spanish, playing the piano, and learning languages.