Having prepared and lit the Paschal Candle and announced that Jesus is risen in the Exsultet, we settle down to listening to a set of Readings that span the whole of Salvation History, from the Creation to the Exodus, to the Prophets, to Jesus’ life, death and, now, his resurrection. The angel at the Empty Tomb speaks the words we all long to hear at this time, “There is no need for you to be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen, as he said he would.” As we reaffirm our faith in these events, we pray for that hope to be felt by everyone at this time of trial across the world.