The following reflection originally appeared in Daily Reflections for Lent: Not by Bread Alone 2022 (Liturgical Press). The corresponding meditation and prayer were written by my co-author, Thomas D. Stegman, S.J.

Our Lenten journey has brought us here, to this quiet moment of “already but not yet.” It is a place where we are strangely comfortable, and yet perpetually uncomfortable. Comfortable because we are so accustomed to living “in-between.” Uncomfortable because we want to finally arrive.

Tonight’s vigil, with its litany of ancient readings, begins with the spirit of God sweeping across the waters (Gen 1:1–2:2). With that first command of God that light be scattered across our world, a drama of relationship, covenant, and redemption began. That drama plays out in our everyday lives, in chapels and churches, even more in kitchens and cubicles.

The last reading of tonight’s vigil is the Gospel (Luke 24:1-12) which begins, fittingly, with a reference to “daybreak.” From light to light we go, searching for the glory of the risen Christ.

The women come to the tomb expecting to find a dead body, ready to prepare it for burial. But the body is not there. Peter, running to the tomb, also seems to expect a body: bending down and looking inside, he sees for himself the emptiness of the tomb, the burial clothes cast aside.

Holy Saturday is a day when we accept and even celebrate the “in-between” reality of our lives. We know he is raised. We have seen his glory! And yet we still come to the tomb again and again, prepared for something different—just in case—needing to see for ourselves.

This is the empty tomb, where the Spirit of God hovers, where the light has broken in. Our journey has brought us here. We have arrived.

Meditation: The Easter Vigil is the pinnacle of liturgical celebrations. In addition to the litany of Scripture readings, we experience the lighting of the Paschal fire, the clanging of bells and joyous singing of Alleluia, the proclamation of the Exsultet, and the celebration of Sacraments of Initiation as we welcome new members into our communities. All in celebration of the victory of Christ over the grave. How have I experienced new life at Easter celebrations?

Prayer: God of life, open our hearts to the newness of life we celebrate. Thank you for leading us on our Lenten journey. Help us to bear witness with our joy to the resurrection of your Son.