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 Holy Smoke, Holy Water  

 

Greetings.

Soon we will be gathering around the New Fire outside the doors of our parish church, to begin the Easter Vigil.

In many parishes, the new Paschal Candle will be dipped in the fresh water of the Baptismal Font. Some parishes have a tradition of incense leading the procession into the darkened church, as in preparing a path for the Lord to enter our lives, on this Holy of Nights.            

Thinking of fire, water and incense, I am taken back in memory to the Christian Summer Camping programs in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s. They were a part of nearly every church family.

Going to camp was the in-thing to do. I remember packing all those essentials, which included sleeping bag (gear), toothbrush and paste (not sure if it was ever used), soap, towel, and don’t forget your Bible.            

Camp schedule consisted of 3 basics: worship (mid-morning), crafts, campfire at night.

Slotted in for the day, was 3 meals, snack time (tuck time), recreation (swimming or other sports games.  

I am sure the highlight for most, campers, and leaders alike, was evening campfire.

There was something special about the campfire.

One would watch the sparks emitted from the red burning coals, the smoke rising to the heavens. Mixed into the ascending smoke were the voices of 60 or 70 young people, giving praise to God for the day just spent. The scene would quietly end, as the coals grew dim and mug-up (hot chocolate) brought the evening to a close.            

The campers and leaders would quietly make their way to their sleeping quarters (cabins). My recollection: those cabins were basic—metal army-cot style bunk beds with ‘interesting’ mattresses, and possibly a shelf or two and small table to store your Bible on. Don’t forget the one electric light bulb, possibly with a 40-watt bulb. (Everything was on a budget.)            

Reflecting on the Easter Vigil:
the evening campfire was like a metaphor for this great festive night we are preparing for on the eve of Easter Sunday: the proclamation of Jesus Christ is Risen, Risen indeed.            

We will light the new fire.

The red embers will create a spark to announce: the community is “at ready” for the new light to come into the church (building).  

More significant is the New Light to come into the Church (the people).

We will give thanks in praise, as if sitting around a campfire, giving praise through song and story. Our song and story will be as expressed by the Psalmist.            

Psalm 141:2 reads,

Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense,
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Easter Sunday morning at St. John the Baptist Duncan, we will begin the new day (Easter) with the gathering of our prayers and praise, beginning with a communal breakfast.            

Holy Smoke, Holy Water, new life in the resurrection of Jesus Christ!   

First, we will welcome our Lord with palms and Songs of Joy this week, as Jesus prepares to lead us to the cross with him.

Blessings for the coming of Holy Week,
Archdeacon Brian+