For as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. // John 20:9
They stood at the front of the church on Easter Vigil, clothed in their simple baptismal garments. Precious souls, ready and waiting to be submerged into the cleansing waters of Baptism. Ready and waiting to emerge anew. Ready to be called His. Ready to shed the heavy burden of sin and to encounter Jesus. Ready to be overcome by the Blood of the Lamb.
I can smell the sweet scent of the lilies surrounding the altar, but I cannot see them. The church is dark. Ready and waiting for the flicker of candles to spread. A wave of holy light revealing the faces of the faithful. Faces that the Lord knew and loved when His Sacred Heart spilled the last of His Blood. A love so amazing that after tasting the sting of death His Sacred Heart beat again, bursting the tomb open with the power of His glorious Resurrection.
My eyes adjust to the darkness as I watch each person begin to walk to the waters of Baptism. Their bare feet quietly walking to new life. I imagine the Lord walking before them. His pierced feet quietly stepping through the crowded church of His family. Calling to them to follow Him to eternal life.
Sister, this is the joy of Easter. Jesus is alive! We are the beloveds of the Risen Lord! I invite you to walk in the power of Jesus. I invite you to see His glory in every moment of your life. I invite you to see His light in any darkness.
Proclaim this truth to yourself and to others: Jesus is alive! I am overcome by the Blood of the Lamb. I am set free.
We are the beloveds of the Risen Lord. // Leana BowlerClick to tweet
Leana Bowler is a wife and mother of eight little ones. She is a Holy Rosary enthusiast with deep devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her love for the message of Divine Mercy led her to become a Marian Missionary of Divine Mercy. She enjoys the miracles of family life, strong coffee, and encountering others on this journey to sainthood. She was a contributing author to And Hay Became Holy and Made New: 52 Devotions for Catholic Women.
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