The Easter Vigil was well under way that year. Everyone had “settled-in” for the beautiful, retreat-like, and (as every Catholic knows) longer-than-usual “Mother of all Vigils.” The Easter Fire had been ignited and blessed. This Transformative Flame scatters the Darkness of Evil as it burns and brightens. The new Paschal Candle was now bearing this Light as it pierced the darkness of the church. Taper candles were lighted. Although all of us, now, literally held the New Easter Fire in our hands, it was hearts that burned. The Exsultet was sung dramatically. Tapers were then extinguished as the Mass continued with the Readings and the Psalms; the Gloria and the Gospel; the bells that were rung and the Baptisms that were taking place that year. Finally, the time came for all present – including my Aunt Rita – to renew one’s own Baptismal Promises. Taper candles were carefully re-ignited by young Altar Servers and then, the Easter Fire, once again, burned and spread. It was quite the sight to behold. Caught up in the moment, suddenly there was a shuffle and scuffle. Something was amiss. A gasp! A shout! Heads turning! In that moment, a quick thinking and fast acting young resident priest sprang from the Altar grabbing a basin containing some of the Newly Blessed Baptismal Water that was to be used for sprinkling all present and running down the aisle, the priest now turned fireman, doused Aunt Rita, her burning missalette, and a few of the terrified Faithful who had the misfortune of being positioned near-by. The Pastor, meanwhile, barely broke stride. Obviously, he was a seasoned priest and a veteran pastor. There’s a phrase for it in Pastoral Theology: Stuff happens. Keep going. He was well aware that priests might be seen wearing very traditional birettas, very modern baseball caps, or yes, even firefighter helmets. I have a whole assortment of hats and caps in my closet. Aunt Rita, for her part, was mortified, yet relieved that neither she, nor anyone else, had to be taken to the emergency room! Father Pastor was just glad that he didn’t have to take out his insurance adjustor cap and he permanently placed good Aunt Rita on the “taper-ban” list. She humbly complied. Though Aunt Rita never held the Easter Fire again in her hands, it was already long burning in her heart and it was this Flame that would continue to spread. Missalettes were no longer set ablaze, but people standing nearby were still in “danger.” I know one young man who stood too close, too often. He got “burned” and that Flame would change him forever. He would go on to spread that same Flame setting Fires anew – a pyromaniac of sorts of the clerical order. If nothing else this Easter, pray that hearts might be set aflame: yours, mine, and those around you. Pray that the Easter Fire; the Fire of Faith spread anew in a world so flooded and drowning in Darkness. Jesus died and rose from the dead for you, for me, and for Aunt Rita. He comes anew each day in the Burning Flames of Easter and He wants us to set the whole world ablaze! Just spare the missalettes! Happy Easter!
Peace!
Fr. Wilson