Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

FIRE AND WATER!

In this Easter Season you may have noticed a couple differences liturgically here at St. Paul’s – other than the abundance of flowers and decorations as we celebrate Christ’s Resurrection. The Church encourages her people to include the Sprinkling Rite on the Sundays of Easter. It takes the place of the normal Penitential Rite, because the water recalls our baptism through which our sin is washed away, and how in the Mass our venial sin can be forgiven. It can be done on any Sunday but makes sense to do in this season because it is the Resurrection that opens the door to new life and reconciliation for us.

The sacrament of Baptism is the way of entering into that new life of communion with God and His Church. At the Easter Vigil we baptized two people welcoming them into the Church. Also at that Vigil was the blessing of the waters which were then poured into our holy water fonts. Even the flowers show forth new life and we know water is needed for them to grow. Water is this powerful elemental symbol that allows us to “dip” or hopefully “dive” more deeply into God’s love.

The other liturgical difference is one of absence. Have you noticed that we have not been including candles in the Gospel Procession like we normally do? The Gospel Book, carried by the Deacon, is often accompanied by two servers with candles. This is done to emphasize the importance of the Gospel and to symbolize the enlightening truth we hear from God’s Word. We do not use the two candles during the Easter Season because the Paschal Candle is already standing near the ambo. The Paschal Candle remember was blessed and lit from the Easter fire at the Easter Vigil.

It is the main representation of the the Light of Christ shining in the darkness. The flame that lights our way should rekindle the fire we received in our baptism to proclaim Christ as Savior. This is the fire of God’s dynamic love that challenges and spurs us on to action. The Paschal Candle remains near the ambo for the Easter Season, and is lit at major liturgical celebrations. Since Christ’s light is already there we do not need the extra two candles. After Pentecost, when we return to Ordinary Time, the Paschal Candle is removed, and we will again use the two processional candles at the Gospel.

How enriching is this twofold symbolism. The wonderful balance and interplay of these symbols can show forth in our lives as well. The cool refreshing waters of grace also bring a fire that can at times be uncomfortable or seem even out of control! But it is the same God Who loves us.

Continuing in this Easter Season may we delve deeper into the ocean waters of God’s love. May our fire be rekindled by the light of Christ shining in the darkness that we may bring others to Jesus. Fire and Water! We need both!

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Pfeiffer