The Silence of Saturday
Yesterday you buried your friend, you had to hurriedly anoint him before the sun set for Sabbath. You witnessed the great stone being rolled, sealing him in the darkened tomb. There was sadness, there was tears, there was wailing.
Now there is silence. It is the Sabbath and you must rest. Jesus lays in the tomb. On this day of stillness, silence, emptiness there is a twinge of hope. It is finished. He said he would rise again on the third day. No liturgical actions will take place in the church during this day.
The Apostles Creed which we recite every Sunday contains an article of faith that is brought into a new light on this day:
“…he was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell”
Today, Jesus makes a triumphant decent into “hell”, the dwelling place of the dead. He does not seek those who are living with eternal damnation and the fires of hell. He seeks to free the just who have gone before Him and await the opening of the Gates of Heaven, await the Resurrection.
Perhaps today, seek out a media link to watch the prayers and viewing of the Holy Shroud of Turin, being made available to the faithful throughout the world this Holy Saturday.
Spend time in silence and prayer even for just a few minutes. And as evening approaches, join us in the most joyful Mass of the Church – the Easter Vigil streaming at 6:30 pm.
The earth waits in stillness and silence – what are you waiting for?
Jesus seeks a friendship with you – can he find you?