A Memorable Easter

Until this Easter weekend I had never attended an Easter Vigil in the Roman Catholic Church.  Saturday night that changed as I worshiped in a service that was over three hours long.  Despite its length, there were many similarities: an outdoor bonfire, the Paschal Candle bringing light into a dark sanctuary, Scripture readings, baptisms, a large enthusiastic crowd, inspiring music, and, of course, a clear lifting up of the resurrected Jesus Christ.  The most notable difference was the offering of the sacrificial meal as a part of the worship.   

The one thing which impressed me in a special way was the sacrament of baptism.  While it is true that the Methodist tradition speaks of Easter being a time for baptisms, concerns for time often push a moment to Palm Sunday, or the Sunday after Easter.  The baptismal moments in this Easter Vigil were not incidental and hurried, but took a significant amount of time as candidates took vows and were led to a baptismal pool where they knelt to receive baptism by pouring.  After baptism they each were given a white robe to wear the remainder of the service.  To witness the professions of faith and to see their baptisms through a different lens reminded me that baptism really is a big deal.  

Of course, I knew this, but by the time the benediction was pronounced, it was clear that what was taking place in the holy waters was extremely important to the person being baptized as well as to the whole congregation.  I am sure in the Roman Catholic tradition as well as in the Protestant tradition baptism can be turned into some act of religious passage, or something done for social status, but on this night what was underscored in my spirit was the way baptism truly is a unique spiritual experience which marks the beginning of a new life in Christ Jesus.  When the choir sang its hallelujahs at the postlude, I was ready to add my voice to theirs.