According to Wikipedia - Carpe Diem - is a Latin aphorism - definition - usually translated - seize the day - taken from book 1 of the Roman poet Horace's work Odes (23 BC). In modern terminology - grab it now - do it while you can - take advantage of the opportunity now - while it is there. So to all - today I urge you - carpe diem - Holy Saturday - grab it - become involved with it - become an active participant - because tomorrow it will be gone. This is the final day of the 3-peat - the Triduum - the religious hat trick - the three holiest days of the year. On this day in churches around the world - the final examination - blessing - of the Elect - those preparing for Baptism - Confirmation - Holy Communion. This morning also - the blessing of Easter food baskets - food to be prepared and shared with family and friends at the Easter feast. A day of fasting - prayer - in preparation for the Easter Vigil - the Mother of all Vigils - celebrated tonight after sundown. The darkness of the night broken by the outdoor lighting of the Easter - Pascal - Candle - in a solemn light service - the entrance into the church - in a victory march to begin the Vigil - Holy Mass. Twelve scriptures - maximum - with sung psalms - the Epistle - Gospel proclamation - words of encouragement - the blessing of water in the font - Baptism - Confirmation - finally Holy Eucharist. The community gathered at prayer - joyfully celebrating - the Resurrection.
Tonight - Heaven - Earth - join together in a moment when ordinary people experience the Divine. Listening to Holy Scripture proclaimed - reassured by the words spoken in the Vigil Homily - God draws all of us deeper into the Mystery - that is God. Tonight we remember Creation - the Escape - God's Call - Jesus' Passion - the dark moments - the emptiness - the Glory - the Hope. As a family we witness - Baptism - Confirmation - First Communion - the addition of New Members - to the Family of God. Tonight we celebrate Hope - we celebrate Joy - we celebrate Jesus. Carpe Diem.
Deacon Dale
