The Holy Father was always very concerned. As if he was invariably amazed at the news that Christ is truly risen. He said to the faithful that it was shocking news that “changed the course of history”. And, that if Christ had remained in bondage, humanity would have lost to some extent its meaning. He repeated that the Church and the entire world are watching, because “the hour of Christ’s victory over death is the greatest hour of his history”. He spoke of the fullness of the liturgy and vigilance, which is not only presence but also remembrance. Because – here he addressed Jesus directly – “at the end of your hour, you will give death to death”. This night is a night of love and hope. That night they return with water and fire. That night, the Holy Father baptized and confirmed people from different parts of the world – says Archbishop Mokrzycki. He baptized as a symbol of new life. John Paul II explained that the Church from the earliest times does not find anything that would more reflect the reality of the night of the Easter Vigil. “Because nothing more reflects this solstice, this passage of Christ, that is, Passover, than this sacrament” – he said. And, nothing brings us closer to Christ, to His Easter night, this unique messianic night.” On this night, love manifests itself as stronger than death and sin, says the Archbishop. Day wins over night. Light overcomes darkness. The Holy Father wanted us to understand the deep symbolism of what is happening. In the liturgy, water and fire play an important role. And, yet water and fire can destroy, take away everything it meets on its path. And, here they are a blessed force that gives life and light. It is up to us what we do with this water and with this fire.
With the consent of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki – “Place for everyone”
Znak Publishing House, Kraków 2013.
