Below are the traditional readings for the Easter Vigil. There are twelve from the Hebrew scriptures, and two from New Testament. If you read them all, you get the whole sweep of God’s mighty acts on behalf of humankind. Even though we don’t have a vigil at St. Paul, you can read these readings as prayers, or just some of them, as preparation for the surprise and joy of Easter morning. Each of these readings from the Hebrew scriptures has a Psalm or Canticle that goes with it, also very beautiful to read. Enjoy. There are vigils all over Cape Ann tonight, should you wish to attend one. We are always invited to celebrate with our Episcopal brothers and sisters, at St. John’s on Middle St. in Gloucester, or at St. Mary’s on Broadway, in Rockport.
Some of us will be on Good Harbor Beach at 6:15 a.m., with Rev. Wendy Fitting, who is leading her last “official” sunrise service, as she is retiring this year. It will be cold, but the sun will rise. Here on Cape Ann, the peepers have come out in time for the Resurrection. They were peeping away last night, when I returned from the Good Friday service. I thought how wonderful that even the frogs rise from their muddy sleep to greet the Lord of Life.
Readings:
Resurrection of Our Lord
Vigil of Easter
March 30, 2013
First Reading-Creation
Genesis 1:1–2:4a
Response: Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26 (1)
Second Reading-Flood
Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18, 8:6-18, 9:8-13
Response: Psalm 46 (7)
Third Reading-Testing of Abraham
Genesis 22:1-18
Response: Psalm 16 (11)
Fourth Reading-Deliverance at the Red Sea
Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21
Response: Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18 (1)
Fifth Reading-Salvation Freely Offered to All
Isaiah 55:1-11
Response: Isaiah 12:2-6 (3)
Sixth Reading-The Wisdom of God
Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6 or Baruch 3:9-15, 32–4:4
Response: Psalm 19 (8)
Seventh Reading-A New Heart and a New Spirit
Ezekiel 36:24-28
Response: Psalms 42 and 43 (42:2)
Eighth Reading-Valley of the Dry Bones
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Response: Psalm 143 (11)
Ninth Reading-The Gathering of God’s People
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Response: Psalm 98 (4)
Tenth Reading-The Deliverance of Jonah
Jonah 1:1–2:1
Response: Jonah 2:2-3 [4-6] 7-9 (9)
Eleventh Reading-Clothed in the Garments of Salvation
Isaiah 61:1-4, 9-11
Response: Deuteronomy 32:1-4, 7, 36a, 43a (3-4)
Twelfth Reading-Deliverance from the Fiery Furnace
Daniel 3:1-29
Response: Song of the Three 35-65 (35)
New Testament Reading
Romans 6:3-11
Gospel
John 20:1-18
Prayer of the Day
Eternal giver of life and light, this holy night shines with the radiance of the risen Christ. Renew your church with the Spirit given us in baptism, that we may worship you in sincerity and truth and may shine as a light in the world, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
or
O God, you are the creator of the world, the liberator of your people, and the wisdom of the earth. By the resurrection of your Son free us from our fears, restore us in your image, and ignite us with your light, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Let us sing to the Lord, who has | triumphed gloriously;
our strength and our might, who has become | our salvation. Alleluia. (Exod. 15:1-2)
Color: White/Gold