Saturday, April 11

Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. So because of the Jewish holiday of preparation, as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
—John 19: 41-42

Holy Saturday

Today is the day that most people miss in the liturgical year of the Church. Crowds do not gather at most parishes for the short service appointed on this day. But in the infinite wisdom of the Church fathers and mothers of centuries past, they knew that today was important. They knew that this day of waiting had to be marked.

Waiting with Jesus in the tomb is not easy, for in that place, our demons and darkness come out. Most of us don’t want to wait with him in that place of death; for we know if we do, we will have to address things we deny.

But when we go to that place of stillness and quiet, we discover a peace that is absolutely amazing. When we go into the silence of this day, we find not just darkness but the greatest of hope.

Find a place of stillness where you can go today. Sit there. Say nothing. Let the quiet invade your soul and imagine what it would be like to wait with Jesus in the tomb. In that place, begin to pray.

Let your heart and soul express the fullness of who you are, and trusting in Christ to sustain you in midst of darkness, know that the greatest of light is coming.

God of the tomb, in stillness and quietness you wait with me. Show me the path toward honesty with you, that sharing in this time of waiting, we may come to know your joy. Amen.