The Easter Vigil begins with darkness. The darkness itself is the first movement of
the liturgy, so we begin our preparations with that darkness. It represents all darkness, and all the
meanings of darkness - devoid of light; evil thoughts, motivations, deeds; all
that is hidden and secret, deceitful and dishonest, divisive and abusive,
immoral and sinful. It's the darkness of
our world, and the darkness in my heart.
If I come to the vigil and restlessly and impatiently fidget in the dark
“until something happens,” I miss the power of what is about to happen. So, we prepare by readying ourselves to
experience the darkness. It is
distasteful and reprehensible, embarrassing and humbling, fearful and
despairing. Then a light is struck. It
breaks into the darkness. “O God, who through your son bestowed upon the
faithful the fire of your glory,
sanctify + this new
fire, we pray, and grant that, by these Paschal celebrations,
we may be so inflamed with heavenly desires
that with minds made pure,
we may attain festivities of unending splendor.”