The New Light

Really, it should have been midnight. Ideally, it would have been dark, rather than the dusk that could still be seen above the hills. But most of us make a choice: the First Light of Easter, the New Light, is struck on the evening of Holy Saturday or at dawn on Easter Day.

We do it on Saturday. It was a perfect evening; the sparks from the fire flew upwards; the scent of the burning branches mingled with that of the incense; the two smokes and the light divided but undimmed spread into the dark church.

And if you wonder how I come to recall a small phrase from the Exultet it might help to know that I sang it tonight, as I have for several years now. As always, it was a huge privilege and a joy.