Holy Week – Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday:
Holy Saturday is a unique day in the Church’s year. There is no Mass even for priests. The church is bare. There is no sanctuary lamp because Jesus isn’t in the tabernacle; He’s in the tomb. When you come into the empty church, you become aware, not of the Divine Presence but of the Divine Absence. The agony and apparent defeat of the cross is etched deeply in our minds. Jesus is buried in the grave. However, we are blessed even more than the Apostles, because we know that there is hope in the emptiness of this day. It was quite sad last week to hear of garden centres closing and plants and trees being allowed to die. I found myself reflecting that there is a garden in Calvary (Jn 19:41). “Now, in the place where he was crucified, there was a garden.” When we follow Jesus to the cross and remain with Him in His sufferings, we are able to see the garden. Those who flee the suffering of Calvary miss out on the garden. When you go into your garden soon, what will you see? Will you see buds and new leaves? Signs of new and vibrant life. This garden, the garden at Calvary, is the beginning of new hope and risen life. Also in this garden there will soon be the Gardener, the risen Jesus, and we will find him shining in resurrected glory. So, even when life is tough and lonely, stay with Jesus, as did Mary Magdalene and her companions. If you leave Him you will miss out on the joys to be found in Calvary’s garden.
Let us Pray:
Dear Jesus, like your disciples we are fearful,and so we ask you to give to us that blessing of peace, by which you calmed their anxious hearts,filled them with joy, and confirmed them in faith,you who live and reign,
forever and ever.
Amen.
A final Reflection will be posted tomorrow for Easter Sunday
