Gloria

For the first time in my life I attended the Easter Vigil. At the start of last week I had no intentions of actually going because in all honesty, I had no idea what it was. All I knew: it was long....
Something must have sparked my curiosity for I found myself all over Wikipedia looking up the Easter Vigil; its traditions, rituals, practices around the world. You name it I was reading about it. Naturally, with my flair for the dramatic, once I read about churches in darkness, candle lit processions, unveiling of draped statues, Latin hymns, and climactic lighting I had to see for myself this mysterious mass.

I invited the two women who have been the most pivotal in my faith journey. (I am so happy the attended with me.) I don't know why I was so nervous. I had butterflies in my stomach the entire way to the Cathedral. (I like to attend all the major masses at the Archdiocese: The Cathedral of St. Andrew.) I knew this was the place to be if I wanted to witness something spectacular in terms of Catholic ritual and tradition. Unlike many modern churchgoers, I absolutely love and in many ways need the traditions of Catholicism. Electric guitars and laser light slide shows do absolutely nothing for me. I need my service to be separate from my everyday life. I need it to feel reverent and special, like something grand and bigger than the day to day.

I was not disappointed. We began the mass outside in the piazza congregated around the Easter fire awaiting the lighting of the Paschal Candle. I don't know why but the image of our bishop in his funny hat and his shining silver shepherd's hook was striking. There was something about it. We then followed the processional into the darkened cathedral for the Service of Light in which the the candle is carried by our bishop through the sanctuary, itself in complete darkness, stopping three times to chant 'Christ our Light', to which we responded 'Thanks be to God'. We then all light our own candles from the Paschal Candle, each symbolically receiving the light of Christ. We now held the first part of the mass in candle light.

The readings were sung Gregorian chant style, something I particularly appreciated. And then it was time for the Gloria..... my favorite piece of music written for a Catholic mass. This time it was one of the most moving and inspiring moments I've ever had.

Refrain: Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.
1. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. (Refrain)
2. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. (Refrain)
3. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God, the Father. Amen! Amen! (Refrain)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P45LGcOFsPs

The entire congregation joined three choirs, a brass section, strings, and percussion sections in singing. Each time we sang "Glory to God in the hightest" the lights in the cathedral got a little bit brighter until the very end when we sang it for a final time. The lights brightened to their max, the timpani, other instruments, and voices crescendoed. . . It was powerful. I wish I could better describe the feeling I had. The absolute peacefulness and contentment that filled my mind and body.

The remainder of mass went similarly for me. Each time another sung prayer or ancient ritual occured something in me stirred. I haven't had that happen to me all that often and I can't wait for that to happen again. I spent most of the hour carride home in silent cintemplation and prayer. Not the formal Hail Mary or Our Father but mostly just exhistance with God; relfection on the service I was just a part of, reflection and thanks for all the wonderful things and people in my life, gratitude for the birds and budding trees.....
I hope this wonderful feeling lasts.

Kate and I are going to attend the cathedral at least once a month. And we are going to make a point of going for special occaisions/holidays.