The world waits in stunned silence, the silence of the tomb; for the Lord of life has been put to death. As seems all too predictable, violence has slain gentleness, innocence has fallen under the weight of sin and oppression, hope has been extinguished, and death has the bitter, final laugh. So, it must have seemed.

And yet, there is an old, old story, told time and time again in myriad ways and circumstances – words of hope.

It’s the story of Abraham, whose son was returned to him from the grave: God provided a substitutionary sacrifice.

It’s the memory of a people, who were once led by signs and wonders out of slavery in Egypt into the Promised Land.

It’s the words of prophets, often spoken in the darkest moments of Israel’s history, promising that God would intervene — that God intends a new beginning, a definitive act of salvation through which death would be overcome, and evil finally conquered.

Oh Lord, your people await in silent hope. They await the sign that death has at last been put to death. They await the pillar of fire in the night and the cloud in the daytime that will lead them through the wilderness of sin to the freedom of the eternal Promised Land.

Oh Lord, your people await, once again this night. They gather; a fire is lit. The resurrection is awaited in candlelit vigil. The darkness of the church is invaded by the light of hope; the silence falls away as hymns are sung and the Word is proclaimed. Exalt, O Church of God, raise your voices in a new song. For our Lord will rise triumphant from the grave.

by Fr Michael Grace