The Easter Vigil is a long-awaited day in the Catholic liturgical year. For the candidates and catechumens, this is it; the long months of preparation and planning culminate in a joyous celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The celebrations of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist seem to be a final stop on the journey they have undertaken. In reality, the road of faith is just beginning with these events. The true meaning of Easter is life – a path leading to the Kingdom of Heaven – a place where sin and death are no more. After a whirlwind tour of the history of the Chosen People through the readings, this celebration is the culmination of the liturgical year, the moment of anticipation, when the Messiah has come to save us all and fulfill the Law given to Moses so long ago.

The path of faith we walk upon is not an easy journey; in fact, it is quite the opposite. Temptations lurk everywhere in today’s society, from the media’s portrayal of violence and sex, to the alluring power of wealth and fame. The choice to be a Christian is a daunting task in modern culture. However, the Gospel today is full of hope and security. The angel’s first words to the women at the tomb are “Do not be afraid!” Later, when Jesus meets the women, He echoes the angel’s greeting of “Do not be afraid.” The message is clear; we are not to be afraid of taking this journey of faith. God’s promise to be with us always echoes through the readings today. My favorite expression of this vow of loyalty comes in today’s fourth reading from Isaiah, “Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, my love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord.” It doesn’t matter what happens on the earth, as long as we are faithful to God, he will keep us safe. We should not be afraid, for God is with us always.