Easter Saturday felt
like a day without direction,
too late for the death of Jesus
and yet too early
for his Resurrection.
It felt like a day spent
in no-man’s land.

But at the Easter Vigil Mass at Fanavolty,
on Easter Saturday night,
that sense of nothingness was replaced
by a sense of anticipation
and by a sense of unity
as the congregation waited
in semi-darkness
while Fr Pat lit the Paschal fire
behind the altar.

Together we watched
as altar servers lit candles
which, in turn,
lit other candles
so that gentle light spread
throughout the church.
And once our candles
had dispelled the darkness,
together we all waited
for readings of the Good News.

Our Easter Vigil Mass
was all about
waiting, anticipation, purpose
and expectancy.

Together, we waited in prayer.
Together, we spread the light
and together we listened
to the Good News
that Jesus is risen.

Halleluia! © Claire Murray, 30th March 2013