Fire, Light and Water - The Mystery of Easter

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Holy Week : Easter Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 20:1-9 or Lk 24:1-12 or Lk 24:13-35*

*First Reading : Acts 10:34a, 37-43*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23*

*Second Reading : Col 3:1-4 or I Cor 5:6b-8*

*Fire, Light and Water - The Mystery of Easter*

*1) FIRE — The Presence and Power of God*

The Easter Fire kindled outside the church symbolizes the divine presence, the victory of life over death, and the resurrection of Christ, who is the *new fire* that brings warmth, energy, and transformation.

*Biblical Meaning:*

Exodus 3:2 – God appears to Moses in a burning bush, symbolizing His presence and holiness.

Exodus 13:21 – The pillar of fire guides Israel by night through the wilderness.

Luke 12:49 – “I have come to bring fire on the earth,” Jesus says, expressing His mission to ignite faith and purification.

Acts 2:3 – At Pentecost, tongues of fire rest on the disciples, signifying the Holy Spirit's empowering.

*In Easter:* Fire recalls Christ as the Light of the World who defeats the darkness of sin and death, and the Spirit who renews creation.

*2) LIGHT — Christ, the Risen Light*

The Paschal Candle, lit from the Easter Fire, represents Christ’s resurrection. 

As it is brought into the darkened church, the congregation responds, “The Light of Christ – Thanks be to God.”

*Biblical Meaning:*

Genesis 1:3 – “Let there be light.” Light is the first act of creation; in Easter, the new creation begins in Christ.

John 1:4-5 – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

John 8:12 – “I am the Light of the World.”

Matthew 28:3 – At the resurrection, the angel’s appearance is described as like lightning, symbolizing divine glory.

*In Easter*: The light drives out darkness, representing Christ’s triumph over death and the hope that believers now live in.

*3) WATER — New Life and Rebirth*

During the Vigil, the blessing of water and often baptisms take place. 

Water here symbolizes cleansing, rebirth, and the gift of new life in Christ through Baptism.

Genesis 1:2 – “The Spirit of God hovered over the waters.” Water is present at creation.

Exodus 14:21-22 – The Red Sea is parted, Israel is delivered through water — a type of Baptism.

Ezekiel 36:25-27 – “I will sprinkle clean water on you… and give you a new heart.”

Romans 6:3-4 – “We were buried with him by baptism into death, so that… we too might walk in newness of life.”

John 3:5 – “No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.”

John 19:34 – Water and blood flow from Jesus’ pierced side — the source of the sacraments.

*In Easter*: Water is the sign of our participation in Christ’s death and resurrection—washed clean from sin, we rise to new life.

*4) Together: A Unified Symbol of the Paschal Mystery*

*Fire* = God’s presence and transformation.

*Light* = Christ’s resurrection and victory over darkness.

*Water* = The new life we receive through the sacraments.

These three signs are not just symbolic—they are sacramental. They make present the mystery they signify. 

At Easter, the Church proclaims and participates in the new creation, where Christ is the source of life, light, and Spirit.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*