Today

Today, as the earth waits in silence for the light of the Savior to come out from the tomb, I too, await in joyful hope for the Vigil of Holy Saturday. 

Today, as my husbands Grandfather celebrates his birthday, in the presence of the communion of Saints, around the throne of the Lamb, side by side with his loving wife, we rejoice that by his intercessions to the King of Kings, we have been led into the fullness of the Holy Catholic Church. 

Today is a day in which a journey that began two years ago for us, has roots which can be traced back to the beginning of time. For my Savior knew me before I was ever conceived. Before this world was ever created, He has called all men to himself. 

Today he has called me by name, because he loves me.  Today I stand with the men and women of old, who have come before, who have given their lives, who have spoken through the prophets, that Jesus, the Christ, is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords;  And that this King has given us the gift of a Church, his body, in which there is only one Head, Jesus Christ. 

Today I become one with him, through the Eucharistic bread, which is His body, given up for me.  With His blood, the blood of the new covenant, which is poured out, for me.

Today I wait with his Mother, our Holy Mother, who was given to us all, on the cross.  "Woman, behold your Son.  Son, behold your mother."  A lowly Virgin, made glorious, through the redemption of her Son. 

Today I stand with his Bride, the Church.  Confessing as they have always done, that this Paschal mystery has taken place for the redemption of my sin, and the sins of the whole world. 

Today I stand professing One Baptism for the forgiveness of sins, the Communion of Saints, the Resurrection of the Dead, and a life, Everlasting. 

Today I become a member of the Holy Catholic Church, through it's bruises and faults, and failures, and weaknesses.  Because the Creator of the Universe has called me to membership among his body, and I must obey.  Because today, if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts, but return to the Lord. 

Today, on the Vigil of Easter Sunday, as all of creation waits in eager expectation for the sound of a rolled away stone, I praise my Lord for this journey of faith, and the faith of his people, especially for the faith of a man, celebrating a birthday, in the presence of the communion of Saints, praying me and my family into his beloved Catholic Church.

Today we wait in silence; tonight the bells of Salvation and Victory will ring supreme.  His Word has gone forth, it will not return empty.  It has come calling to me, and today, I say Yes. 

Happy Birthday Grandpa Bill... I will look for you among the yellow sweaters.