Today, we recall that Jesus was buried. God, the Creator of earth, was buried and entombed in the earth, His own creation.

Why was God buried? Why do we profess our faith that Jesus "was crucified, died, and was buried"? Why is Jesus' burial important?

• Jesus' burial shows that He was dead and therefore is now risen.
• ­ "Christ, lying in the tomb, reveals God's great sabbath rest after the fulfillment of man's salvation" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 624).
• "Through baptism into His death we were buried with Him, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life" (Rm 6:4). "In baptism you were not only buried with Him but also raised to life with Him because you believed in the power of God Who raised Him from the dead" (Col 2:12).

Today, identify with the buried Jesus. Prepare to renew your baptismal promises. Have a Holy Saturday.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 26, 1997

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 1997