What Happens on Holy Saturday?
More Thoughts and Reflection Questions
What Happens on Holy Saturday?
Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter. It is a mix of both sorrow for the suffering of Jesus Christ and expectation of his rising.
There is no “Holy Saturday” mass. A prayer service, such as morning prayer from Liturgy of the Hours, may be offered.
Holy Saturday is a day to reflect on hope for the hopeless. Imagine you are in the darkness, and without explanation there is a light in the distance. You hear footsteps. You reach out into the darkness and a hand grasps yours.
My child, you are not alone. I am here.
Holy Saturday ends with the Easter Vigil Mass which is celebrated Saturday night, usually shortly after sundown. The Mass marks the beginning of Easter.
Reflections
How Did the Apostles Feel?
From Chris Mueller and Ascension Presents. “Anyone who has been a witness to tragedy and loss knows that the event itself does not end the pain for those who are left behind. For those who loved Jesus, the tomb would not have ended the horror. The shockwaves of Christ’s brutal execution would have continued to pummel them. This leads us to Holy Saturday.” Continue reading.
The Great Silence
From Fr. Steve Grunow and Word on Fire. “In the hours of this day a great silence overtakes the Church. Our silence commemorates that God in Christ descended to where no human word is uttered or heard— the silence of the grave. Yet even in that silence God is speaking.” Read more.
More Thoughts
Holy Saturday is a day of profound silence and waiting in the Catholic faith. It is a day when we reflect on the death of Jesus Christ and await His resurrection. In the silence and stillness of this day, we are called to contemplate the mystery of the Passion, death, and ultimate triumph of Jesus over sin and death.
The silence of Holy Saturday speaks to the mystery of death and the unknown. It reminds us that there are moments in life when we are forced to wait and trust in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it. It also serves as a reminder that in the midst of life’s struggles and uncertainties, God is present, even if He seems hidden from our sight.
As we reflect on the silence and waiting of Holy Saturday, we are also reminded of the importance of patience and perseverance in our faith. Like the disciples who waited in fear and uncertainty, we too must learn to trust in God’s timing and have faith that He is working all things for our good.
Moreover, the silence and waiting of Holy Saturday invite us to enter into a deeper contemplation of the Paschal Mystery. It is an invitation to reflect on the meaning of Christ’s death and the hope that His resurrection brings. In this sense, Holy Saturday is a day of anticipation and longing for the joy of Easter, when Christ triumphantly rises from the dead and conquers sin and death.
Reflection Questions
- What does the silence and stillness of Holy Saturday symbolize for you?
- How does the mystery of death and the unknown impact your faith?
- In what ways can you cultivate patience and perseverance in your faith, especially during times of uncertainty?
- How does reflecting on the Paschal Mystery deepen your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection?
- What are you anticipating with joy this Easter season, and how can you prepare your heart to fully embrace the triumph of Christ over sin and death?
- How can you make space in your life for deeper contemplation and reflection, especially during the Easter season?
- What does it mean for you to trust in God’s plan, even when it may be difficult to understand or accept?
- In what ways do you recognize God’s presence in your life, even in the midst of struggle and uncertainty?
- How can you apply the lessons of Holy Saturday to your everyday life and continue to draw closer to God?
- What does the Paschal Mystery mean to you, and how does it shape your understanding of God’s love and salvation?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics
Just as when we were children, we were afraid to be alone in the dark and could only be assured by the presence of someone who loved us. Well this is exactly what happened on Holy Saturday, the voice of God resounded in the realm of death. The unimaginable occurred; namely, love penetrated Hell.
Robert Cardinal Sarah
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