The night that sets us
free from the sleep of death
Brethren, let us keep watch, for Christ
remained in the tomb until this night. It was on this night that the
resurrection of his flesh took place. On the cross it was the butt of mockery;
today, heaven and earth give it worship. This night already forms part of our
Sunday. It was very necessary that Christ should rise in the night because his
resurrection has enlightened our darkness… Just as our faith, strengthened by
Christ’s resurrection, dispels all sleep, so this night, lightened by our
vigils, is filled with brightness. With the Church throughout the earth it
causes us to hope we shall never be surprised in the night (Mk 13:33 ).
Amongst so many peoples whom this feast - kept so solemnly everywhere - gathers together in the name of Christ, the sun has gone down. Yet day has not disappeared; the lights of heaven have taken over from the lights of earth… He who has given us the glory of his name (Ps 28[29]:2) has also illumined this night. He to whom we say “You lighten my darkness” (Ps18:28 ) sheds his brightness in our hearts. Just as our dazzled
eyes behold these shining torches so our enlightened spirits enable us to see
how luminous is this night, this holy night in which our Lord initiated in his
own flesh the life that knows neither sleep nor death!
Amongst so many peoples whom this feast - kept so solemnly everywhere - gathers together in the name of Christ, the sun has gone down. Yet day has not disappeared; the lights of heaven have taken over from the lights of earth… He who has given us the glory of his name (Ps 28[29]:2) has also illumined this night. He to whom we say “You lighten my darkness” (Ps
(from Saint Augustine (354-430), Bishop of Hippo (North Africa)and Doctor of the Church (2nd sermon for the Easter Vigil; PLS 2, 549-552 ; Sermon Morin Guelferbytanus 5)
Christ is Risen!
Indeed He is Risen!
Monica
