The readings from the Easter Vigil lays before us the entire drama of creation - the Fall, the call from God, the journey, and victory through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The incredible beauty of creation is followed by the miserable attempts by humans to respond to God's love. Man and woman have fallen short. But God never gives up; God returns to us again and again, picking us up and healing our wounds. The fall of Adam was taken by God as a tool to school every believer to guard against all temptations of immediate superiority and grandeur. In covenantal relationship, God sees Himself as a husband to his wife, the people of God.

This same God is dying to share Himself with us; He wants to fill us with sweet water and good food at no cost. He warns us not to try to figure Him out, for His mind and ways are far above ours. His generosity and kindness know no bounds - He sent His Son to die for us. This all reaches a climax in the puzzle and joy of the empty tomb on Easter morning. The best is yet to come. In baptism, we die and rise with Christ - we share in the relationship He has with God, and all that the Father has given Him, Jesus wants to share with us. But God does not force - we must ask, and we must open our hearts and minds to receive.