Holy Saturday Easter Vigil
On Holy Saturday, the Church invites us to reflect on the mystery of the tomb and the silence that followed Jesus' death on the cross. It is a time of waiting, of prayerful reflection, and of anticipation for the resurrection that is to come. In Matthew 28:1-10, we read of the women who came to the tomb early on the first day of the week, only to find it empty and to encounter the risen Lord. I would like to reflect on some of the themes that emerge from this text and what they mean for us as we await the resurrection.
The importance of perseverance: The women who came to the tomb on that first Easter morning did not give up in the face of adversity or despair. Despite the darkness and the seeming finality of Jesus' death, they continued to seek him out, and they were rewarded with the incredible grace of encountering the risen Lord. As we reflect on the mystery of the tomb, we are called to persevere in our own journey of faith, even in the face of doubt, fear, or uncertainty.
The power of the resurrection: The empty tomb is a powerful symbol of the resurrection and the new life that Jesus offers us. Through his death and resurrection, he conquered sin and death and offers us the promise of eternal life. As we reflect on the mystery of the tomb, we are invited to embrace this promise of resurrection and to live with the hope and confidence that comes from knowing that our lives are forever transformed by the grace of the risen Lord.
The call to witness: The women who encountered the risen Lord at the tomb were not only filled with joy and amazement, but also with a deep sense of mission. They were called to go and share the news of the resurrection with others, to be witnesses to the incredible grace and power of God. As we reflect on the mystery of the tomb, we too are called to be witnesses to the resurrection, to share the good news of God's love and mercy with all those around us.
The importance of prayer: Finally, the story of the empty tomb reminds us of the importance of prayer and the power of God's presence in our lives. It was in the silence and stillness of the tomb that the women encountered the risen Lord, and it is in the silence and stillness of our own prayer that we too can encounter his grace and presence. As we reflect on the mystery of the tomb, we are invited to deepen our own prayer life and to seek God's presence in all aspects of our lives.
As we enter into this time of waiting and reflection on Holy Saturday, may we be inspired by the women who encountered the risen Lord at the tomb, and may we be filled with the hope and joy of the resurrection that is to come. May we persevere in our own journey of faith, witness to the power of God's love and mercy, and seek his presence in all aspects of our lives.
