Apr 26
We Pray and Celebrate with Light
by Maryann ZiemerThe Easter Vigil brings the blessing of fire
that symbolizes the dispelling of the darkness
of sin and death. The light of the paschal
candle, touching its flame to the wicks of
many smaller candles, symbolizes Christ
spreading his light to all. Easter is the
feast of light overcoming darkness.
In
our worship spaces and in our rituals, we use light to dispel darkness
and add beauty to our liturgical expressions. Who has experienced the
gradual extinguishing of candles during a Holy Week Tenebrae service
and come away unmoved by the dramatic play of light and dark?
Talk about: Light brings joyfulness, festivity, a sense of knowing. Think about how often we use light in celebration, commemoration, and discovery. Candles grace birthday cakes and holiday tables. Searchlights sweep the night sky to announce a new business opening. Fireworks celebrate the birth of a nation. Multi-colored lights celebrate the birth of our Savior. Two columns of steady upward light mark the site of fallen towers. Telescopes and microscopes focus light to reveal wondrous worlds, large and small. And it is by light’s energy that plants grow and crops flourish. Without light, that single grain of wheat could never grow and give rise to much fruit.
You
can
help your students share the joy and meaning of the season with
their families. Make copies of these weekly reflections, spanning
seven weeks of the Easter Season, and have students take them home to
share.
Click here for At Home with the Easter Season: Week One.
Click here for At Home with the Easter Season: Week Two.
Click here for At Home with the Easter Season: Week Three.
Click here for At Home with the Easter Season: Week Four. Maryann
Ziemer is a published author with teaching experience in pre-K,
kindergarten, and seventh-grade religious education. She writes about
subjects related to health, science, and education.
Source: CATECHIST Magazine, April/May 2010
Copyright
2010, Peter Li, Inc. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in
any form without permission, except for use with your classes or
families.
