The Tomb

The Melchite Rite calls attention to the tomb where Jesus was laid after the crucifixion in a moving candlelight service with a procession around the church. It is solemn and dignified, as if for a funeral, but the emphasis is on the tomb as being the womb from which new life springs. That final moment will be celebrated later today with an evening service called the Hagmaat, Resurrection Orthros. The Roman Rite's equivalent is the Easter Vigil, also with it's dramatic lighting of the new fire and Paschal Candle and procession into a darkened church which becomes illuminated with the influx of the faithful carrying candles. The Exultet is sung, readings, stories of our salvation history, are proclaimed and eventually all lights go on with the singing of the Gloria. Catechumens are baptized in the newly blessed water, baptismal promises are repeated and we all joyfully shout, "Jesus is risen". The path from darkness to light, from death to life has been accomplished.
While we await this joyous celebration, we are, in a sense in the quiet of the tomb. It is a time for looking at the love Jesus has shown us, a time to recall our own lenten journey, and to "tally up" what steps we have fulfilled toward the renewal of our baptismal commitment. Have we deepend our relationship with Jesus? Has our prayer-life improved? Will the fruits of our lenten discipline be visible? With Mary, we take time to ponder, and to nourish what we find in the tomb.
Bro. Rene