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April 16, 2022One of my favorite readings of the year is in today's Office of Readings. It's from an ancient homily on Holy Saturday. Centuries ago, an unknown homilist perfectly captured the mood of this day: "Something strange is happening - there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep."
This is indeed an odd day, an "in between" day. Yesterday, on Good Friday, we commemorated the crucifixion of Jesus with great solemnity. Tonight, at the Easter vigil, or tomorrow on Easter Sunday, we will joyfully celebrate the Resurrection. Today many of us will be preparing for Easter: decorating the church, writing homilies, making baskets for our children, preparing Easter dinner, or visiting cemeteries.
We recall the horrors of Good Friday but know that suffering and death are not the final answer. Easter contains the promise of resurrection and new life. But we can't rush to Easter without having some time in between to reflect on what has happened and anticipate what is to come.
The reading continues: "I now by my own authority command all who are held in bondage to come forth, all who are in darkness to be enlightened, all who are sleeping to arise." God is often at work in those quiet in between days, bringing new life where there is death.
Holy Week is a very full week. Take a few minutes in silence today to reflect on the great mysteries we have celebrated and anticipate the glory of Easter to come.
