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Easter Vigil Mass at Corpus Christi Cathedral
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April 9, 2023The Easter Fire was lit in the courtyard of Corpus Christi Cathedral. From the fire, the Paschal Candle was illuminated, and then Bishop Michael Mulvey led the faithful as they processed into the darkened church. As they entered, dozens more candles were lit from the Paschal flame in the hands of the faithful. As the readings were said or sung, the cathedral remained in darkness, except for the altar. But when the time came for the Light of Christ to spread throughout the church, bells began to ring, lights were switched on, and the altar candles were lit. The darkness of Jesus’ suffering had finally passed, and the joy of Easter could now be felt.
“Do not be caught up in things that are not of God,” Bishop Mulvey said as he began his homily, “To walk with Jesus and walk in the light is to know we are redeemed by the Son God sent to us. Jesus entered into our human experience, never giving up his divinity, to show the mercy of God to so many people. Jesus becomes a light to all who are struggling with darkness. He gives us hope. He never disappoints us.”
Among those gathered that evening, there were a couple dozen men and women who were to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, to step into the light through the graces of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. “In times of despair, joy, or confusion, say, ‘Come, Lord Jesus’,” added Bishop Mulvey. “With Jesus at the center of our lives, dispelling the darkness, we become a people of joy and hope.”
It is this joy and hope that Elizabeth Nixon saw in a close friend that helped lead her to the Church. “I started out as Presbyterian, but I’ve been an atheist for the last ten years or so,” she said after the mass had ended and the newly Confirmed were taking celebratory photos with the bishop. “My friend is a devout Catholic. When we met, I saw that there was something about the way he lives his life. He just lives his life so openly and so beautifully. So, we had a lot of exchanges in our early friendship.”
He never argued with her or condemned her, but instead built a bridge to her through communication and finding commonalities between them. Because her friend got to know her well, he was able to share Therese of Lisieux - who actually became Elizabeth’s saint.
“That was the moment I decided to learn a little bit more about the Catholic faith, said Elizabeth. “I didn’t tell my friend for six months, but then I met Nellie Serna and Fr. Pete Elizardo, everything was easy from there.”
“There’s a lot of divisiveness in our country,” added Elizabeth. “I think there is something beautiful about bringing the faith to somebody by living it the best that we can, instead of trying to fight everybody. People underestimate how much how they live impacts others, and how they love - how they share God’s love. I think that’s far more powerful than words will ever be.”
