Date: April 23, 2011
First Reading (Genesis 1:1 – 2:2)
A reading from the book of Genesis.
In the beginning, when God began to create the heavens and the earth, the earth had no form and was void; darkness was over the deep and the Spirit of God hovered over the waters. God stated, "Let there be light"; and there was light. God saw that the light was good and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'Day' and the darkness 'Night'. There was evening and there was morning: the first day. God stated, "Let there be a firm ceiling between the waters and let it separate waters from waters." So God made the ceiling and separated the waters below it from the waters above it. And so it was. God called the firm ceiling 'Sky'. There was evening and there was morning: the second day. God stated, "Let the waters below the sky be gathered together in one place and let dry land appear." And so it was. God called the dry land 'Earth', and the waters gathered together he called "Seas'. God saw that it was good. God stated, "Let the earth produce vegetation, seed-bearing plants, fruit trees bearing fruit with seed, each according to its kind, upon the earth." And so it was. The earth produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kind and trees producing fruit which has seed, according it their kind. God saw that it was good. There was evening and there was morning: the third day. God stated, "Let there be lights in the ceiling of the sky to separate day from night and to serve as signs for the seasons, days, and years; and let these lights in the sky shine above the earth." And so it was. God therefore created two great lights, the greater light to govern the day and the smaller light to govern the night; and God made the stars as well. God place the stars in the ceiling of the sky to give light on the earth and to separate the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good. There was evening and there was morning: the fourth day. God stated, "Let the water teem with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth under the ceiling of the sky." God created the great creatures of the sea and all living animals, those that teem in the waters, according to their kind, and every winged bird, according to its kind. God saw that it was good. God blessed them saying, "Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the waters of the sea, and let the birds increase on the earth." There was evening and there was morning: the fifth day. God stated, "Let the earth produce living animals according to their kind: cattle, creatures that move along the ground, wild animals according to their kind." So it was. God created the wild animals according to their kind, and everything that creeps along the ground according to its kind. God saw that it was good. God stated, "Let us make man in our image, to our likeness. Let them rule over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, over the cattle, over the wild animals, and over all creeping things that crawl along the ground." So God created man in his image; in the image of God created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and stated to them, "Be fruitful and augment in number, fill the earth and subdue it, rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the sky, over every living creature that moves on the ground." God stated, "I have given you every seed-bearing plant which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree that bears fruit with seed. It will be for your food. To every wild animal, to every bird of the sky, to everything that creeps along the ground, to everything that has the breath of life, I give every green plant for food." So it was. God saw all that he had created, and it was very good. There was evening and there was morning: the sixth day. That was the way the sky and earth were created and all their vast array. By the seventh day the work God had done was completed, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work he had done.
Second Reading (Exodus 14:15 – 15:1)
A reading from the book of Exodus.
The Lord stated to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. You will raise your staff and stretch your hand over the sea and divide to let the Israelites go dry foot through the sea. I will so harden the minds of the Egyptians that they will follow you. And I will have glory at the expense of Pharaoh, his army, his chariots and horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory for myself at the cost of Pharaoh and his army!" The Angel of God who had gone ahead of the Israelites now placed himself behind them. The pillar of could changed its position from the front to the rear, between the camps of the Israelites and the Egyptians. For one army the cloud provided light, for the other darkness so that throughout the night the armies drew no closer to each other. Moses stretched his hand of the sea and the Lord made a strong east wind blow all night and dry up the sea. The waters divided and the sons of Israel went on dry ground through the middle of the sea, with the waters forming a wall to their right and to their left. The Egyptians followed them and all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots and horsemen moved forward in the middle of the sea. It happened that in the morning watch, the Lord in the pillar and fire, looked towards the Egyptian camp and threw it into confusion. He so clogged their chariot wheels that they could hardly move. Then the Egyptians stated, "Let us flee from the Israelites for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt." Then the Lord stated to Moses, "Stretch your hand over the sea and let the waters come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and horsemen." Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. At daybreak the sea returned to its place. As the Egyptians tried to retreat, the Lord swept them into the sea. The waters flowed back and engulfed the chariots and horsemen of the whole army of Pharaoh that had followed Israel into the sea. Not one of them escaped. As for the Israelites they went forward on dry ground in the middle of the sea, the waters forming a wall on their right and their left. On that day the Lord delivered Israel from the power of the Egyptians and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the seashore. They understood what wonders the Lord had done for them against Egypt, and the people feared the Lord. They believed in the Lord and in Moses, his servant. Then Moses and the people sang this song to the Lord: I will sing to the Lord, the glorious one, horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.
Third Reading (Ezekiel 36: 16-28)
A reading from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel.
The word of the Lord came to me in these terms, "Son of man, when Israel occupied her own land she defiled it by her way of life and her actions. To me her conduct was like the uncleanness of a women in her period. I poured out my fury on them because of the blood they shed in the land and because they defiled it with their filthy idols. Then I scattered them among the nations and disperse them in other lands. I judged them according to their conduct and their actions. But when they were brought to other nations, my holy Name was profaned because others stated to them: 'The people of the Lord had to be exiled from this land!' Then I was concerned for my holy Name, profaned by Israel among the nations where she had been dispersed. Now you shall say to the people of Israel: It is not for your sake that I am about to act, but because of my holy Name that you have profaned in the places where you have gone. I will make known the holiness of my great Name, profaned among the nations because of you, and they will know that I am the Lord when I show them my holiness among you. For I will gather you from all the nations and bring you back to your own land. Then I shall pour pure water over you and you shall be made clean – cleansed from the defilement of all your idols. I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I shall remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I shall put my spirit within you and move you to follow my decrees and keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you shall be my people and I will be your God.
Epistle (Romans 6: 3-11)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.
Brothers and sisters: You know that in baptism which unites us to Christ we are all baptized and plunged into his death. By this baptism in his death, we were buried with Christ and, as Christ was raised from among the dead by the Glory of the Father, so we begin walking in a new life. I was an image of his death when we were grafted in him, and so we will also share in his resurrection. We know that our old self was crucified with Christ, so as to destroy what of us was sin – if we are dead, we are no longer in debt to sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe we will also live with him. We know that Christ, once risen from the dead, will never die again and death has no more dominion over him. There has been death: a death to sin once for all; there is life; a life in God. So you, too, must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Gospel (Matthew 28: 1-10)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
After the Sabbath, at the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a violent earthquake: an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, came to the stone, rolled it from the entrance of the tomb, and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and his garment white as snow. The guards trembled in fear and become like dead men when they saw the angel. The angel stated to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen as he said. Come, see the place where they laid him: then go at once and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead and is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. This is my message for you.” They left the tomb at once in holy fear, yet with great joy, and they ran to tell the news to the disciples. Suddenly, Jesus met them on the way and stated, “Peace.” The woman approached him, embraced his feet and worshiped him. But Jesus stated to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me.”
In Easter Vigil, there are four parts to the Mass. Part one is the Solemn Beginning of the Vigil (the Service of Light), part two is the Liturgy of the Word, part three is the Liturgy of Baptism and Renewal, and part four is the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
ReplyDeletePart one begins with all the church lights turned off. All congregation stand by in their pews, and the entrance hymn is omitted. There should be a large fire prepared outside the church.
ReplyDeleteThe priest states this: Dear friends in Christ, on this most holy night, when our Lord Jesus Christ passed from death to life, the Church invites his/her children throughout the world to come together in vigil and prayer. This is the passover of the Lord: if we honor the memory of his death and resurrection by hearing his word and celebrating his mysteries, then we may be confident that we shall share his victory over death and live with him forever in God.
After the passage above, the fire is blessed. Then the priest states: Let us pray. Father, we share in the light of your glory through your Son, the light of the world. Make this new fire holy, and inflame us with new hope. Purify our minds by this Easter celebration and bring us one day to the feast of eternal light. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ReplyDeleteThe procession begins after the priest engraved the symbols on the Easter candle and has already stated: May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.
ReplyDeleteThe procession goes like this: the deacon, or if there is no deacon available, the priest takes the Easter candle, lifts it high, and sings: Christ our light. The congregation should reply: Thanks be to God. This is done three times: outside the church, at the entrance of the church, and in front of the altar. After this, the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet) may be sung.
After the Easter proclamation, the candles that the congregation are holding should be extinguished and put aside. The Liturgy of the Word commences after the priest states: Dear friends in Christ, we have begun our solemn vigil. Let us now listen attentively to the word of God, recalling how he saved his people throughout history and in the fullness of time, sent his own Son to be our Redeemer. Through this Easter celebration, may God bring to perfection the saving work he has begun in us.
ReplyDeleteAll church lights will turn back on when the Liturgy of the Word commences.
A total of five readings are read. Three Old Testament readings are read, and one letter from Saint Paul is read. The Gospel changes each year, depending on what Cycle it is. After each reading (except the Gospel), the responsorial psalm is provided. The choir will immediately sing the psalm after each reading.
ReplyDeleteAfter the third reading (the reading from the prophet Ezekiel), the altar candles are lighted and the priest in tones the Gloria, which is taken up by all present. The church bells are rung, according to the local custom. At the end of the Gloria, the priest sings or states the opening prayer in the usual way. After the opening prayer, the epistle is read.
ReplyDeleteNote that the beginning of the Mass, the altar candles are not lit. The altar candles will be lighted when the congregation and all church members sing the Gloria.
ReplyDeleteThe congregation candles light again after the Epistle. The flames of the candles will be extinguished again when the priest states the homily.
ReplyDeleteIncenses and greetings may be used before reading the Gospel, but candles are not carried.
ReplyDeleteSince there are candidates to be baptized, the priest states: Dear friends, let us pray almighty God for our brothers and sisters, (names), who are asking for baptism. He has called them and brought them to this moment; may he grant them light and strength to follow Christ with resolute hearts and to profess the faith of the Church. May he give them the new life of the Holy Spirit, whom we are about to call down on this water.
ReplyDeleteAfter the baptism, there will be a renewal of batismal promises such as rejecting Satan and believing in the resurrection, etc. Then the priest sprinkles the congregation with blessed holy water. After this, the offertory hymn commences with collections. It is fitting that the bread and wine should be brought forward by the newly baptized.
ReplyDeleteLord, accept the prayers and offerings of your people. With your help may this Easter mystery of our redemption bring to perfection the saving work you have begun in us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ReplyDeleteFather, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. We praise you with greater joy than ever on this Easter night, when Christ became our paschal sacrifice. He is the true Lamb who took away the sins of the world. By dying he destroyed our death; by rising he restored our life. And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise. (After this, you sing the Sanctus.)
ReplyDeleteThe Kyrie used to be present in the beginning of the Mass, but has moved to part three.
ReplyDeleteResponsorial Psalm (Psalm 104) (Verses 1-2a, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, and 35b) (This psalm comes after the first reading from Genesis)
ReplyDeleteThe response is: Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
Bless the Lord, my soul! Clothed in majesty and splendor; O Lord, my God, how great you are! You are wrapped in light as with a garment.
You set the earth on its foundations, and never will it be shaken. You covered it with the ocean like a garment, and waters spread over the mountains.
You make springs gush forth in valleys winding among mountains and hills; birds build their nest close by and sing among the branches of trees.
You water the mountains from your abode and fill the earth with the fruit of your work. You make grass grow for cattle and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth.
How varied O Lord, are your works! In wisdom you have made them well – the earth full of your creatures. Bless the Lord, my soul! Alleluia.
Responsorial Psalm (Exodus 15: 1-6, and 17) (This psalm comes after the second reading from Exodus)
ReplyDeleteThe response is: Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.
I will sing to the Lord, the glorious one, horse and rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song, and he is my salvation. He is my God and I will praise him; the God of my father: I will extol him.
The Lord is a warrior; Lord is his name. The chariots of Pharaoh and his army has hurled into the sea by the Lord; his chosen officers drowned in the Red Sea.
The deep covers them; they went down like a stone. Your hand, O Lord, glorious and powerful, your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.
You brought in the people you redeemed and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance, the place you chose to dwell in, O Lord, the sanctuary prepared by your hands. The Lord will reign forever!
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 42) (Verses 3, 5, [3 and 4; Psalm 43]) (This psalm comes after the third reading from Ezekiel)
ReplyDeleteThe response is: Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I go and see the face of God?
Now as I pour out my soul, I remember all this – how I used to lead the faithful in procession to the house of God, amid shouts of joy and thanksgiving, among the feasting throng.
Psalm 43 (42)
Send forth your light and your truth; let them be my guide, let them take me to your holy mountain, to the place where you reside.
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my gladness and delight. I will praise you with the lyre and harp, O God, my God.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 118) (Verses 1, 2, 16, 17, 22, and 23) (This psalm comes after the epistle from the Romans)
ReplyDeleteThe response is: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his loving kindness endures forever. Let Israel say, "His loving kindness endures forever."
The right hand of the Lord is lifted high, the right hand of the Lord strikes mightily! I shall not die, but live to proclaim what the Lord has done.
The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and we marvel at it.
This is a prayer after the first reading and the first psalm.
ReplyDeleteLet us pray. Almighty and eternal God, you created all things in wonderful beauty and order. Help us now to perceive how still more wonderful is the new creation by which in the fullness of time you redeemed your people through the sacrifice of our passover, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
This is a prayer after the second reading and the second psalm.
ReplyDeleteLet us pray. Father, even today we see the wonders of the miracles you worked long ago. You once saved a single nation from slavery, and now you offer that salvation to all through baptism. May the peoples of the world become true sons of Abraham and prove worthy of the heritage of Israel. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
There are two various prayers after the third reading and the third psalm. It determines whether there are candidates present to be baptized. Here are the two prayers. The first one below is a prayer where there are no candidates to be baptized.
ReplyDeleteLet us pray. God of unchanging power and light, look with mercy and favor on your entire Church. Bring lasting salvation to makind, so that the world may see the fallen lifted up, the old made new, and all things brought to perfection, through him who is their origin, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
This is a prayer where there are candidates to be baptized.
Almighty and eternal God, be present in this sacrament of your love. Send your Spirit of adoption on those to be born again in baptism. And may the work of our humble ministry be brought to perfection by your mighty power. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
After either of these two prayers, the priest in tones the Gloria, where all the congregation sing. The church bells are rung according to the local custom. After the Gloria will be an opening prayer.
This is the Opening Prayer in the Easter Vigil Mass. This is stated after the entrance, three readings and three psalms, and of course, the Gloria.
ReplyDeleteLet us pray. Lord God, you have brightened this night with the radiance of the risen Christ. Quicken the spirit of sonship in your Church; renew us in mind and body to give you whole-hearted service. Grant this through one Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.