emptiness + anticipation = ?
"You changed my mourning into dancing; You took off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my soul might sing praise to You without ceasing; O Lord, my God, forever will I give You thanks." —Psalm 30:12-13
On Holy Saturday, there is no Mass and Communion. We feel empty — very empty. We feel as if we are buried with Christ (see Rm 6:4; Col 2:12).
However, Jesus didn't stay in the tomb, and Holy Saturday doesn't last all day. It gives way to the greatest liturgical celebration of the year — Easter Vigil. Therefore, Holy Saturday is a day of great anticipation.
Anticipation makes our emptiness seem not as empty. Just to know that there is resurrection from the dead gives hope to the most buried life. Risen life is about to break through even the most cold, barren, and dead ground. "The earth quaked, boulders split, tombs opened. Many bodies of saints who had fallen asleep were raised" (Mt 27:52-53). Get ready to explode with faith, love, and joy.
Prayer: Help! Come, Jesus!
Promise: (none)
Praise: (none)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, October 9, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 17, 1998