Genesis 1.1–2.2 | Genesis 22.1-18 | Exodus 14.15–15.1a | Isaiah 54.5-14 | Isaiah 55.1-11 | Baruch 3.9-15,32–4.4 | Ezekiel 36.24-28 | Romans 6, 3-11 | Matthew 28.1-10

Today we conclude our triduum with the Easter Vigil, on this Holy Saturday, with the blessing of the new fire, the Paschal Candle and water, for the renewal of baptismal promises.

It was a silent Saturday of sadness, due to the events of the Passion, but also of expectation, in the hope of the resurrection. We remember Jesus who descended into hell to free from the power of Satan the deceased ancestors who trusted in God's salvation.

By meditating on the Scriptures and singing the psalms, our hearts gradually understand the nature of God as the Lord of Life who moves in love and justice.

In the first reading, the author of Genesis tells us about creation. The universe, the elements of nature and plant and animal life exist by the power and love of God. And the human being is the image and likeness of the divine Creator, the caretaker of creation.

In the second reading, the author of Genesis tells us about the unfinished sacrifice of Isaac by his father Abraham. The Lord of Life, rewarding Abraham's obedience, swore to bless him and make his descendants numerous. Through them, all the nations of the earth would be blessed.

In the third reading, the author of Exodus tells us about the passage of the Hebrews through the waters of the Red Sea, freed from slavery in Egypt, towards the promised land. Led by Moses and his stick, guided and protected by the pillar of fire, the Hebrews received victory from God over the army of the Pharaoh, who drowned.

In the fourth reading, the prophet Isaiah tells us about the reconciliation of the merciful Lord with the Israelites, compared to the love of spouses; a love without threats or fear, with promises of peace and justice. Abandonment motivated by indignation gave way to endless love.

In the fifth reading, the prophet Isaiah tells us about the divine promise of an eternal covenant with the Israelites, in honor of King David. The wicked and the unjust were invited to seek and call upon the Lord, trusting in the generosity of divine forgiveness, for the ways and thoughts of the Lord were above those of men. The word that went forth from His mouth would not return to Him empty; rather, it would accomplish all that was His will and produce the effects that He intended when He sent it.

In the sixth reading, the prophet Baruch tells us about the relationship between wisdom and God's commandments, stating that the deportation of the Israelites to Babylon was the result of their abandonment of the precepts of life. The Israelites were invited to embrace wisdom, for those who followed it would have life.

In the seventh reading, the prophet Ezekiel tells us of the divine promises to bring back to their land the Israelites who had been scattered among different nations, to purify them of all idols, and to give them a new heart and spirit, so that they would follow the Law and commandments of the Lord. In this way, they would be His people and He would be their God.

In the reading from the Second Testament, the apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans about the mystery of the sacrament of Baptism, through which Christians die to sin once and for all and live for God. The old man was crucified with Christ so that he would no longer serve sin. Therefore, if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him.

In the Gospel, Matthew tells us of the announcement of Jesus' resurrection made to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, initially by an angel dressed in white clothes as snow, and then by the Risen One himself. They had gone to the tomb early in the morning of the first day of the week. They were reminded that Jesus had announced that he would rise again. Both the angel and the Risen One himself gave the women the mission of telling the disciples about the surprising event of the resurrection, announcing to the brothers that they should go to Galilee to see Jesus there. Then the women ran quickly, exchanging fear for great joy.

Faith in the resurrection is a gift from God, it is a spiritual path, it is a process. We must believe so that our hearts open to the truth that generates joy and happiness, that renews life and transforms the person from the inside out. It is a beacon of light that shines and warms. It is a new birth of water and the Spirit.

Let us persevere in the new life that has been given to us. Let us leave behind the old life of sin. We have been resurrected with Christ! He lives in us! Let us demonstrate this to others with our actions and words. Let us praise God! Hallelujah - which means "Praise the Lord"!