Wild Bees

The Exsultet, an ancient text solemnly used at the Easter Vigil, draws our attention to the Easter fire and the candle. The prayer refers to the work of bees and their wax-making. The bees in the video here are wild, their honeycomb seen in an uncultivated state. Watching our valuable pollinators come and go speaks about the unseen and hidden lives that surround us all. At Easter we celebrate our recognition of life where hope seemed lost.

On this, your night of grace, O holy Father,

accept this candle, a solemn offering,

the work of bees and of your servants’ hands,

an evening sacrifice of praise,

this gift from your most holy Church.

But now we know the praises of this pillar,

which glowing fire ignites for God’s honour,

a fire into many flames divided,

yet never dimmed by sharing of its light,

for it is fed by melting wax,

drawn out by mother bees

to build a torch so precious.

O truly blessed night,

when things of heaven are wed to those of earth,

and divine to the human.

More About the Exsultet

• The Exsultet: The Proclamation of Easter | USCCB
• Bees’ return enriches Easter Vigil
• This Is The Night

Music

Hydra by Huma-Huma