Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Easter Vigil

Before (the Vigil)

Dohle-Vigil-void-webBefore the beginning there was naught,
perhaps something impossible to comprehend,
no space nor time,
there was not even nothing
for that would imply the opposite,
something,
even speaking of the void
does not encompass what the before wasn’t
it just was not.

Then

Dohle-Vigil-light-webThe word spoken,
light,
pulsating outward,
universe expanding ever faster
its momentum
continuing into the far future;
time frame staggering in its fulfillment.

 

The Tomb

Dohle-dark-tomb-webWithin the body lying
wrapped in its linen shroud
there was only emptiness,
nothingness,
blackness,
cold,
no time nor space,
soulless,
like the universe will one day be,
all stillness,
void,
heat death its fate.

Then

Dohle-Jesus-arise-webThe word spoken,
light,
pulsating outward,
the body swallowed up in life,
the tomb’s heavy stone rolled away effortless,
for death,
that which is feared,
dreaded,
by all if truth be told,
is overcome.

 

Paschal candle

Dohle-paschal-candle-webThe flame from the candle
is shared by all present,
one candle at a time,
passed on
freely
joyfully for the love of the light,
the cold dark church filled with it warmth and light,
so yes,
slowly the light is filling the world,

Slowly,
love givenfreely
passed on
one person at a time,
bringing forth
into consciousness what is perhaps already there
within the heart,
the dwelling place of God,
Christ
for He is truly risen.

Br. Mark Dohle, OCSO
Holy Spirit Monastery

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