Lynne - April 17th

The Easter Vigil at Holy Cross began at 5:15 a.m. About 60 of us, who had been moving together from the foot washing on Maundy Thursday through Jesus crucifixion on Good Friday, gathered on the porch of the monastery for the Lighting of the New Fire and the blessing of the Paschal Candle. We then processed, singing “the light of Christ, thanks be to God” into the dining area overlooking the Hudson River where we heard again the Story of Salvation. This year it was Ezekiel’s description of The Valley of Dry Bones that grabbed my attention. I thought of how “dry” my spirit had become and how during this sabbatical time God is breathing new life into me. Just as the sun came over the horizon, we processed in the midst of clouds of incense to the monks “chapter room” where baptismal water was blessed and vows renewed. The Prior of the monastery invited us into the water to which he had added some wonderfully scented holy oil. I washed my face in the water and was reminded how my hands smelled on the day of my ordination to the priesthood when Bishop Griswold anointed them with holy oil. Finally we processed into the church where we proclaimed, “Alleluia, Christ is Risen” and the monastery organ was heard for the first time since Ash Wednesday. There was incredible joy amongst us as we celebrated Holy Eucharist. I felt Christ alive in our midst. To see pictures from the Vigil and to read some great sermons go to the Holy Cross website at www.holycrossmonastery.com Following Easter breakfast I said goodbye to the monks and headed for the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Lynne+