“I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49)

These words of Jesus strike up many images, some with sparks of division and discord. Another interpretation can zero in on the image of fire itself, related to judgment or the conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit. (John 16:8)

In the Church’s liturgical celebration of the Paschal mysteries, we can recall the role of fire at the Easter Vigil. The fire used to light the Paschal candle is blessed at the start of the Mass by the priest, who asks God to bestow “upon the faithful the fire of your glory.”  

As the candle is prepared to receive the fire’s light, Christ is proclaimed as “the Beginning and the End,” the One to whom all time and all ages belong.  

As the candle is lit by the priest from the blessed fire, he prays, “May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.” (Lucernarium of the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night, Roman Missal) 

It is truly Christ’s radiant victory over sin and death that vanquishes us with the light of His grace, scattering our darkened interiors.

In the Easter liturgy, the Church is powerfully expressing that Christ, the Alpha and Omega, is the “light of the world,” and the One who “enlightens every man.” (John 8:12, John 1:5)

By His glorious resurrection, Jesus shows us that death and sin do not have the last word. He does. And He speaks to us about ourselves.

We are redeemed! Christ’s freedom from the grave is our freedom, too.  

The Easter liturgies remind us of God’s plan throughout Scripture to bring His people from slavery and suffering into a new way of life.

The Church presents this mystery to us every morning in the Liturgy of the Hours, with the prophecy of Zechariah for our prayer of praise. (Luke 1:68-79) In speaking of the Messiah, the prayer contains a hopeful expectation for when the “dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79)

The Easter mysteries are an expression of the fulfillment of this prophecy, in which Christ our Lord rises from the dead to bring us the peace that comes from salvation.

Jesus assures us: “He who follows me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)  

Christ’s invitation to “follow me” is an invitation to experience His love eternally, as adopted sons and daughters of the Father. Christ’s victory at Easter brings us the grace to live as children of God in true freedom.  

To follow Christ is to grow in freedom. “For freedom Christ has set us free.” (Galatians 5:1)

Ways to grow in freedom can include:

•    Making an honest examination of conscience to prepare ourselves for a good confession.  

•    Spending time in prayer at Eucharistic Adoration and Mass to become accustomed to His Presence. 

•    Reading Scripture to be attuned to the word of God and the Spirit’s promptings.

•    Creating time for silence, rest and recollection for a greater enjoyment of the beauty, truth and goodness of God’s creation. 

•    Praying for an increase in the virtues of faith, hope and love to deepen our relationship with God.

•    Asking for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the docility to follow His promptings to become a gift of self for others.

It takes courage to live as Christ’s disciples, but Easter reminds us that Christ gives us the grace to do the Father’s will. The fire of God’s glory shines upon us, not just at Easter, but daily, to be a light for our paths and to illumine our minds.

This Easter season, let us ask God for the graces we need to share in His freedom and to live in the light. With gratitude, let us choose to let the light of God’s grace fill us.

Sister John Paul Maher, OP, is principal of Worthington St. Michael School and a member of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist.