Holy Saturday
one
Jesus had always loved those who were in the world, but now he showed how perfect his love was. He loved them to the end. (John 13:1)
So, he stripped Himself of His glory, took on the garment of a slave and washed the feet of those He loved. But this was not enough – God wanted to give more…He said:
A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends…
This was not enough – God wanted to give more
Jesus took some bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to the disciples. “Take it and eat, this is my body.” Then he took a cup…gave it to them saying, “Drink all of you from this, for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant which is to be poured out for many for the forgiveness of sin.”
two
This was not enough – God wanted to give more
So He went into the Garden,
My Father, he said, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Nevertheless, let it be as you, not I, would have it.
This was not enough – God wanted to give more
In his anguish he prayed even longer and his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.
But God wanted to give more
He was arrested,
● mocked, beaten, spit upon,
● scourged at a pillar, crowned with thorns, condemned to death, made to carry his own cross
● and crucified on Calvary
But God wanted to give more…Until there was no more to give from a human body Jesus said, “It is finished; and bowing his head he gave up his spirit.
God loves to the end
three
This was not enough - Jesus wanted to give more…Go further.
The Good Shepherd must go as far as His sheep can stray, so while his physical body rested in death in the Tomb on Holy Saturday, Jesus went to the realm of the dead, to proclaim the Good News to the people imprisoned there and set free the just who had died before Him.
Today a great silence reigns on earth, a great silence and a great stillness. A great silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. . . He has gone to search for Adam, our first father, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow Adam in his bonds and Eve, captive with him - He who is both their God and the son of Eve. . . "I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. . . I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead."
four
Jesus has gone beyond death, beyond the realm of time. He penetrates into our world of sin and awaits us in the sacrament of reconciliation. All you have to do is meet him there.
five
The Second Day of the Divine Mercy Novena
Pause here and include whomever you are praying for in this Novena
1212 Jesus said to St. Faustina:Today bring to me the souls of priests and religious, and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me the strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them, as through channels, My mercy flows out upon mankind.
1213 She Responded: Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in us, that we may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
The Fountain of God’s love dwells in pure hearts, bathed in the Sea of Mercy, radiant as stars, bright as the dawn.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company [of chosen ones] in Your vineyard – upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.