Easter Vigil March 26, 2005 Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:2; Genesis 22:1-18; Exodus 14:15- 15:1; Isaiah 54:5-14; Isaiah 55:1-11; Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4; Ezekiel 36:16-17A, 18-28; Romans 6:3-11; Matthew 28:1-10 Reflection: From the Creation Story to the testimonies of the prophets to the Resurrection scene we hear tonight how God has acted in our sinful lives to bring us into the fullness of his redeeming love through the sacrifice of his beloved Son. Tonight, we too stand with the Marys before the empty tomb. Yet, no longer do we seek Jesus among the dead. He LIVES! Out of this emptiness of the tomb has come a new meaning, a new life in Christ for us. Now all that is empty, broken, and sinful in our lives is gone. We have been freed. We race forward joyfully to those who believe His Word to proclaim the good news - the Lord is truly risen. We, the redeemed, witness to this new day blessed with new life by Baptism and empowered by his Resurrection. Yes, Jesus lives and because He lives, we live. Suggested Action: Today renew your Baptismal promises and ask the Risen Lord to keep you faithful to the Spirit you received on the day of your Baptism. Sr. Gloria Frank, IHM Philadelphia, Mississippi

Graphic: Sr. Josefa Connolly, IHM RIP