Sacred Triduum, Holy Saturday

Exodus 14:15-15-1; Exodus 15

Ezekiel 36: 16-17a, 18-28; Psalm 42

Romans 6:3-11

Mark 16:1-7

THE EASTER VIGIL, THE NIGHT OF ALL NIGHTS

This day is the third day of the Sacred Triduum, which culminates in the Easter Vigil. Even if the covid protocols may modify it a little bit, the liturgy of the Easter Vigil is made up of four parts: the service of light, the liturgy of the Word, the liturgy of baptism, and the liturgy of the Eucharist. It is the celebration of the passage from death to life, from darkness to light.

The liturgy of the Word invites us to meditate on the Salvation History: how God has been so close to mankind since creation. It is interesting to note that the great events that mark this history have been wrought in the night. The first act of creation was the victory of light over darkness: “let there be light” (Gen. 1:3). It was at night that God saved the Israelites from slavery through the Passover meal, liberating them from the power of Pharaoh (Ex. 12). It was at night that he led them dry-shod through the red sea (Ex. 14). It was at night that our Saviour was born in Bethlehem; and it was at night that he rose from the dead, breaking the chains of death.

In this respect, one thing that Holy Saturday teaches us is that no matter how deep and how long the night is the day will surely come. Jesus himself had to go through the terrible experience of being in the tomb. Yes, he was crucified, died and was buried; but now he has risen!

This day therefore invites us to hope against all hope. For there is no hopeless situation, neither a situation so desperate that God cannot change. In fact, he always makes a way where there is no way. So, do not be afraid. Do not despair. Do not give up!

May the power of the Resurrection roll away every stone and obstacle that stands on your way. And may the rising of our Lord Jesus Christ dispel every darkness in our life and give us the grace to be true witnesses of the resurrection.

Amen