April 3, Holy Saturday

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Mass readings: Vigil: Genesis 1:1-2:2 or 1:1,2631 / Genesis 22:118 or 22:12,9,1013, 1518 / Exodus 14:15-15:1 / Isaiah 54:514 / Isaiah 55:111 / Baruch 3:915,32-4:4 / Ezekiel 36:16-17,1828 / Romans 6:311 / Luke 24:1-12

This Night is Different

My neighbors are a wonderful Jewish family. On Monday night of this week as Passover 5770 began, Daniel, the youngest, asked the ritual question, ''Why is this night different from all other nights.'' All this is done to explain the special privilege of celebrating God's salvation given in the Exodus from Egypt.

In the beautiful Exsultet of Easter Vigil Mass, we also ask why this night is special. The reply: ''This is the night ... when you freed the people of Israel from their slavery ... when the pillar of fire destroyed the darkness of sin ... when Christians are restored to grace ... when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave.''

Prayer: Jesus, victor over sin and death, let us know Your salvation always.