EASTER'S EVE

Fading, the dying embers of the vigil fire,
As faltering a muttered reading of the Markan
Text precedes with trepidation the
Lighting of the Paschal candle: Christus resurrexit!
And so this flickering flame is borne aloft,
is carried through the darkened church, while
Tapers everywhere cascade their light
Proclaiming mystery and joy in counterpoint.

African rhythms pounding jubilation
Fill the air. uKrestu uwuka! Let the song be sung
And let the story resonate throughout the night!
For in the midst of poverty, of sickness,
And despair, a hope is born again, and found in
Broken bread and wine outpoured:
Uplifted faces, life's journey writ in furrows,
Reach out for sacramental hope -

And are not disappointed. For here the mystery
Of dying love meets anguished aspiration,
And memory, so often bitter recollection,
Encounters healing, life and hope in resurrection love.
And in the deepest darkness, going home,
The Milky Way erupts in exaltation, irradiating
Light and joy, and depth unfathomable, while
Toads and crickets offer harmonies of praise!

The Easter Vigil at Malosa
Diocese of Upper Shire,
Malawi,
March 2013