LET US PASS ON THE LIGHT WE HAVE RECEIVED

An Easter message from Bishop Mark

Cross sunset desert
(Getty Images)

This homily was given during the Easter Vigil Mass at the Cathedral.

I love the beginning of the Easter Vigil — when we gather in darkness, and the light of the Easter Candle pierces the night for all to see. Then each of us shares that flame, candle by candle, until the Cathedral fills with light. It builds toward the “Gloria,” when the whole Church is illumined in the fullness of God’s glory as we proclaim to the world: Jesus Christ is risen from the dead! He is Lord! Alleluia!

A friend of mine visited a small town in Southern Italy for a recent Triduum. He and two friends asked where they should best participate, and they were universally told to go to a particular church where they would experience something they would remember forever. They arrived early for Holy Thursday, but few people were there. The priest celebrated simply, with no washing of the feet or special touches. Puzzled, they returned for an equally basic Good Friday service. Accustomed to more understated liturgies, they didn’t arrive as early for the Easter Vigil as they should have. Soon the church was packed, spilling out the doors. 

They noticed the sanctuary was completely blocked by a huge cloth, like a stage curtain. Candles were lit and passed, the “Exsultet” was sung beautifully by a young deacon, and the readings proclaimed. Then came the “Gloria.” The church became electric. Four large men positioned themselves beside the curtain as horns blew and bells rang. In the middle of the “Gloria,” at the words “You are the most High, Jesus Christ,” they grabbed the ropes and tore the curtain in two — re-enacting the tearing of the Temple veil in Jerusalem — while drums created an earthquake-like rumble and the women screamed with joy, their voices carrying into the street. Then, almost everyone went home. My friends remained as the priest quietly finished the Mass with the few who stayed.

Our liturgy tonight is at once less dramatic and far more. We did not tear a curtain with such theatrical power, but we will continue through the full Vigil: welcoming new members into the Church, confirming those receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit, re-enacting the Last Supper, and receiving the Blessed Sacrament. As we leave this Cathedral, we carry the joy of Easter in our hearts — and like the candles passed from one to another, we are sent to bring that light to our families, friends and the world.

This Easter, our Diocese of Albany dares to hope that a long night is ending. Just days ago, we reached a $148 million settlement with survivors of sexual abuse in our bankruptcy proceedings — a painful but necessary step toward justice and reparation. With all my heart, I say again how sorry we are for the shameful chapter in our history when the vulnerable were harmed and the Church failed to protect them. The veil that for too long hid their suffering is being torn in two. The light of truth — which is the light of Christ — now shines on those who were hurt, restoring their dignity before us all.

Yet, as the Easter Vigil does not end with the “Gloria,” our work does not end with this settlement. There is still much to do in the daylight: healing, accountability and rebuilding trust. The Vigil compels us to leave tonight with Easter joy and to carry it outward. We pray that those who have lived in darkness may see a great light — and if past wounds keep some from entering the sanctuary, then the sanctuary must go to them.

The news of the Resurrection was first given to the apostles and a few disciples. Saint Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that the risen Jesus appeared to more than 500 at one time, and to all the apostles. On Pentecost, 3,000 were added to the Church in a single day. Despite persecution, the Church grew then and continues to grow now. This Easter, tens of thousands are entering the Catholic Church across the United States. Here in Albany, 134 catechumens were enrolled at our Rite of Election — a joyful increase from previous years. There is real momentum in our Diocese and in the universal Church.

In Jesus’ day, God dwelt in the Holy of Holies, hidden behind a great veil. At His death, that veil was torn in two from top to bottom. Now the light of Christ shines on the whole world. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, and the Eucharist is given to all believers.

Tonight, as we welcome new sisters and brothers, let us pass on the light we have received. May the Risen Lord shine through us, so that all may know the joy of His Resurrection.