One of the things I love most about spring is the emergence of light that comes with the lengthening of days. Light lifts my spirit. The light seems to awaken the life hidden deep in the dark soil that has lain dormant through long winter months. The miracle of Light brings forth Life and Hope.

Light, too, is the symbol of Easter.

It begins at the Easter Vigil. The chapel is pitch dark. Everything is still except for the quiet shuffling of those preparing layers of kindling in a large caldron at the entrance to the chapel. 

Suddenly a spark ignites a blaze two feet high. This is the New Fire. A blessing is prayed over the fire. A taper lit from the New Fire is taken to the Paschal Candle in the center of the chapel. We sing This is the Light of Christ, the Light of the Risen Christ who illumines our lives yet. 

A few people from the gathering, light their taper candle from the Paschal Candle and then begin to pass it to everyone. Within minutes the chapel is flooded with light, soft light, gentle light. The miracle of Light brings forth Life and Hope for our world. 

It’s Easter. The Light of Christ is present among us. 

It reminds me of the Jubilee Song Pilgrims of Hope. 

Like a flame my hope is burning,

may my song arise to you. 

Source of life that has no ending, 

on life’s path I trust in you.

Our prayer for you is MAY THE LIGHT OF CHRIST FILL YOU WITH HOPE.

-- Sister Chris Kosin

Photo by Pauledits.