HOLY SATURDAY (EASTER VIGIL) OLD TESTAMENT READINGS: Genesis 1:1?2:2/Genesis 22:1-18/Exodus 14:15?15:1/Isaiah 54:5-14/ Isaiah 55:1-11/ Baruch 3:9-15, 32?4:4/ Ezekiel 36:16-26 EPISTLE: Romans 6:3-11 PSALM: Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23 GOSPEL: Matthew 28:1-10 THEME: THE STONE HAS BEEN ROLLED BACK

Even without seeing the sun, the effect of daylight through the windows into a room is enough proof that the night of yesterday could not keep the sun from shining today. In the same way, I do not need to see Jesus rising from the tomb with my physical eyes before believing. The effect of his resurrection is the proof that he has risen.

Tonight's Liturgy of the Word recounts the whole story of salvation. It begins with how the world was created and ends with an account of a new creation, implied in the resurrection of Jesus. The symbolism of Jesus the Light shining in our human darkness is made vivid in tonight's celebration as the priest raises the Paschal candle and sings The Light of Christ and we all respond, Thanks be to God.

The summit of tonight's Liturgy of the Word is the statement of the angel to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said.? (Matt. 28:5-6)

The empty tomb itself does not prove the resurrection but the effect of the resurrection on a person proves the empty tomb. This effect, according to St. Paul, is newness of life as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father's glorious power, we too should begin living a new life. (Rom. 6:4)

As we bring the 40 days of Lent to a close, all who generously celebrated this period with prayer, fasting and almsgiving will testify to the newness of life that the resurrection of Christ brings. And this newness is our proof that the tomb is empty.  Moreover, we now know that every stone, no matter how big it is, can be rolled. Jesus is alive!!!

GOOD FRIDAY FIRST READING: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 PSALM: Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25 SECOND READING: Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 GOSPEL: John 18:1-19:42 THEME: IT IS FINISHED

Normally, the last words of a dying person are invaluable. This is because those words often emanate from the deep recesses of the person?s being. Similarly, the last word of Jesus on the cross encapsulates his whole mission and helps us to unravel the mystery surrounding his death.

The author of the Gospel of John renders the last word of Jesus on the cross as? tetelestai?.  A good number of English bibles translate this Greek word as ?It is finished.? The verb at the root of this Greek word fundamentally denotes ?to carry out? the will of somebody, whether of oneself or another, and so to fulfill an obligation.

Hence, from a theological perspective, the last word of Jesus interprets his suffering and dying as the crowning conclusion and high point of the work that he performed in radical obedience to the Father. The second reading of today summarizes this point: ?Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered? (cf. Heb 5:8). By this singular act of Christ, what needs to be done to save us has been done. It is finished!

Faith in the words, ?it is finished?, gives one a certain divine boldness to jump out of every ?hot water? one falls into. It arouses in a person a certain inner conviction that there is a way out of every problem. Faith in these words of Christ will enable you to rise up after every fall into sin and overcome every evil that comes your way. It will take you to unimaginable heights in every sphere of life and make you soar like an eagle. It is the secret to victorious living here on earth.

The good news is that the salvation that Christ offers is free. You do not need to pay money to anybody, be it a pastor, a priest or a mallam to perform any sacrifice for you so that you will be healed or saved. You do not need to pay any consultation fee to anybody so as to receive the help of Christ. That one eternal sacrifice has already been accomplished by Christ. Jesus has paid in full the price for our salvation.

Good Friday opens to us the immeasurable riches of Christ. It is finished!