The Day of Pentecost

Download or listen to the Day of Pentecost: “Never Silent” (Acts 2:1-21; John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15)

The Seventh Sunday of Easter

Download or listen to the Seventh Sunday of Easter: “His Word and His Name” (John 17:11b-19)

The Ascension of Our Lord

Download or listen to the Ascension of Our Lord: “This Jesus” (Acts 1:1-11)

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

Download or listen to the Sixth Sunday of Easter: “The Fruit of the Vine” (John 15:9-17)

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Download or listen to the Fifth Sunday of Easter: “The Vine” (John 15:1-8)

The Third Sunday of Easter

Download or listen to the Third Sunday of Easter: “Peace” (Luke 24:36-49)

The Second Sunday of Easter

Download or listen to the Second Sunday of Easter: “Pure Milk of the Word” (1 Peter 2:2-3 [Antiphon of the Introit for Easter II])

The Resurrection of Our Lord

Download or listen to the Resurrection of Our Lord: “The Festival” (Mark 16:1-8)

The Vigil of Easter

Download or listen to the Vigil of Easter: “Day of Rest” (Genesis 2:2-3, et al.)

St. Augustine on the Easter Vigil

“If one should inquire about the reason why we keep such a vigil, the answer is easy to find and give.  For He who has granted us the glory of His name has illuminated this night: He to whom we say ‘You shall enlighten darkness’ enlightens our hearts, so that just as our eyes rejoice at this splendor of lighted candles so our minds may be enlightened and shed light on the meaning of this resplendent night.

Why, then, is it that Christians keep vigil on this anniversary night?  This is our greatest vigil and no other vigil of similar proportions is known.  In answer to our eager query, When do we keep vigil? We reply: Several other vigils are kept by us, but nothing comparable to this vigil.  The apostle has urged the faithful to frequent fasting and vigils, recalling his own practice in the words, ‘In toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst’ (2 Corinthians 11:27).  But tonight’s vigil is so special that it deserves to appropriate to itself the common title of vigil” (St. Augustine, Sermon 221:2 [HT to A Year with the Church Fathers, ed. Scott Murray])

Read the rest here (starting on page 199 in the document).

Pr. Winterstein