As it Began to Dawn
Frank Wesley, 1923-2002

Dear brothers and sisters,

As we approach the Easter Vigil, we are reminded of the power of faith and the transformative potential of spiritual rebirth. In Romans 6:3-11, Paul speaks to the idea of dying to our old selves and being reborn into something new.

In spiritual terms, the Easter Vigil, as well as the Eucharist, can be seen as a bardo, a transitional state between death and rebirth. These are times to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the potential for spiritual renewal that it offers us.

Paul writes, "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore, we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life."

This passage speaks to the power of faith to transform us. Through baptism, we are symbolically buried with Christ and rise again with him in newness of life. It is a reminder that no matter how lost or broken we may feel, there is always the potential for renewal and rebirth.

Paul goes on to say, "For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin."

These words offer us hope and comfort in the midst of our struggles. No matter what sins or mistakes we may have made, we have the potential for redemption and forgiveness through faith in Christ.

Finally, Paul says, "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus."

This is a call to action. It is not enough to simply have faith. We must actively strive to live a life that is guided by our faith. We must let go of our old ways of thinking and being, and embrace a new way of living that is grounded in love, compassion, and wisdom.

As we approach the Easter Vigil, let us remember that it is a time of transformation and renewal. It is a bardo, a time between death and rebirth, where we have the opportunity to reflect on our lives and commit ourselves to a new way of being. Let us embrace the transformative power of faith and walk in newness of life.

May the spirit of Christ guide us on our journey of spiritual renewal and rebirth. Amen.