Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church | South Fulton, GA

Church Begins at Home: Easter Vigil

 

Easter Vigil at Home

The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night is the third movement of the Easter Triduum - a liturgy that extends across three days (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday). This page provides an opportunity to commemorate the Easter Vigil at home.

The Easter Vigil features eight readings that provide a summary of Salvation History followed by an account of the Resurrection. As we celebrate Easter at home, you are invited to commemorate the Easter Vigil by receiving the Word of God proclaimed by your brothers and sisters and listening to the reflections of parishioners on how the readings speak to them. This collection of videos serves as a way to celebrate the Resurrection and reconnect with one another as we journey together during these uncertain times. 

The Easter Vigil usually begins at sunset. On Saturday, April 11, sunset is at approximately 8pm. You may begin at a time that works best for you as an individual or household. 

Indeed, the number of readings with the added reflections will require some time to cover. Feel free to return to this page to engage the readings and reflections on Easter Sunday and throughout the Easter Octave (eight days) that ends on the Sunday after Easter. 

 

Easter Vigil Videos - Liturgy of the Word & Reflections

First Reading: Genesis 1:1—2:2

 

Lector: Pat Jeter

 

Reflection: Beth Antoine

 

Second Reading: Genesis 22:1-18

 

Lector: Rhonda Haney

 

Reflection: Caleb Taylor

 

Third Reading: Exodus 14:15—15:1

 

Lector: Florida Woods

 

Reflection: Jenifer Burns

 

Fourth Reading: Isaiah 54:5-14

 

Lector: Ashleé Douglas

 

Reflection: Nyla Dix

 

Fifth Reading: Isaiah 55:1-11

 

Lector: Chloe Sneed

 

Reflection: Michael Uchehara

 

Sixth Reading: Baruch 3:9-15, 32--4:4

 

Lector: Maria Sneed

 

Reflection: Lyndon Batiste

 

Seventh Reading: Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28

 

Lector: George Sneed

 

Reflection: Atuarra McCaslin

 

Epistle: Romans 6:3-11

 

Lector: Richard Taylor

 

Reflection: Morgan Skipper

 

Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10

Read aloud the account of the Resurrection of Our Lord in the Gospel of Matthew. 

If you are reading the Gospel as an individual: recite the introductory dialogue, the text and the concluding dialogue.

If you are reading the Gospel in a group: designate a reader who will lead the introductory dialogue, proclaim the text and then lead the concluding dialogue. 

 

Reader: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Response: Glory to you, O Lord.

While saying "Glory to you, O Lord," everyone makes the Sign of the Cross on their forehead, lips and heart. 

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
And behold, there was a great earthquake;
for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven,
approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.
His appearance was like lightning
and his clothing was white as snow.
The guards were shaken with fear of him
and became like dead men.
Then the angel said to the women in reply,
“Do not be afraid!
I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.
He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples,
‘He has been raised from the dead,
and he is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him.’
Behold, I have told you.”
Then they went away quickly from the tomb,
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce this to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.”

Reader: The Gospel of the Lord.

Response: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Reflection

 

Reflect on what the Resurrection means to you in this moment. 

Here are some prompts that may help you begin reflecting: 

  • What do you need the Resurrection to mean for you in this moment?
  • In what ways is Easter different for you this year?
  • In what ways is Easter the same for you this year?
  • Did Lent help you make room for a new spiritual consciousness? How can you continue making room for new awareness?
  • What areas in your life are in need of a Resurrection experience? 
  • How is your life a testimony about the power of the Resurrection?

Consider Sharing Some of Your Thoughts

If you would like to share some of the fruits of your Easter Vigil reflection with the Most Blessed Sacrament parish family, jot down your thoughts or record a video and send it to Father Desmond Drummer via email at [email protected] so that your reflection can be shared on the "Endurance and Hope" blog.