“In the
resurrection of Jesus, love has been shown to be stronger than death,
stronger than evil. Love made Christ descend, and love is also the power
by which he ascends. The power by which he brings us with him. In union
with his love, borne aloft on the wings of love, as persons of love,
let us descend with him into the world’s darkness, knowing that in this
way we will also rise up with him. On this night, then, let us pray:
Lord, show us that love is stronger than hatred, that love is stronger
than death. Descend into the darkness and the abyss of our modern age,
and take by the hand those who await you. Bring them to the light! In my
own dark nights, be with me to bring me forth! Help me, help all of us,
to descend with you into the darkness of all those people who are still
waiting for you, who out of the depths cry unto you! Help us to bring
them your light! Help us to say the “yes” of love, the love that makes
us descend with you and, in so doing, also to rise with you. Alleluia.
Amen!” - Benedict XVI, St. Peter's Basilica, 2007 Easter Vigil.
