11. Resp. Psalm, Ps. 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23, Hymn of Thanksgiving. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his mercy endures forever. Let Israel say: his mercy endures forever"
(vv 1-2). "I shall not die but live and declare the deeds of the Lord" (v. 17). "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes"
(vv. 22-23). The New Testament interprets vv. 22-23 as referring to the death and resurrection of the Lord (see Mt. 21:42; Acts 4:11; cf. Rom. 9:33; 1 Pt. 2:7).
12. Gospel, Mt. 28:1-10 -- The Resurrection of Jesus. "After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning," Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit the tomb of Jesus. A great earthquake occurs, and an angel rolls back the stone. His appearance is "like lightning" and his clothing "white as snow" (vv. 2-3). The guards are shaken and become "like dead men"
(v. 4).
13. Then the angel tells the women: "Do not be afraid! You are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said" (see Mt. 16:21;17:23; 20:19). "Come and see the place where he lay" (vv. 5-6). "Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him'" (v. 7). The women go away quickly, "fearful but overjoyed," and run to announce the resurrection to the disciples. Jesus greets them. They embrace him and give him homage. Jesus tells them, "Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me" (vv. 8-10).
For Matthew, an earthquake indicates the presence of God, and here the inbreaking of a new age with the death and resurrection of Jesus.
14. 3rd Part, The Baptismal Liturgy -- This consists of the Litany of the Saints, blessing of the baptismal water, baptismal and confirmation rites, and renewal of baptismal promises. In my experience, the renewal of baptismal promises is always a very joyful occasion. It is as though the community is celebrating a collective festive baptism.
15. 4th Part, Liturgy of the Eucharist -- This resumes with the prayers of the faithful and proceeds as usual. The dismissal at the end of the Mass ends with alleluiah.
16. As the Exsultet declares concerning this night of the Resurrection: "The sanctifying power of this night dispels wickedeness, washes faults away, restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners, drives out hatred, fosters concord, and brings down the mighty." The Resurrection of Christ was the cornerstone of the preaching of the early church (see, e.g., Acts 1:22; 2:23-24; 3:15; 4:2; 13:30; 24:21). It is the crowning point of our faith. "If Christ had not been raised," wrote St Paul, "then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Cor. 15:14).
17. Prayer -- O God, you make this sacred night radiant with the glory of the Lord's resurrection. Grant, we pray, that you may stir up our spirit as your adopted sons and daughters. Grant us the grace to live fully the life of your Risen Son that the Holy Spirit bestowed on us at our Baptism, and to render you undivided service, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us give thanks to the Lord, alleluiah, alleluiah!
Prayers, stay safe, God bless!
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