April 3
Readings – The readings for today are technically the “Easter Vigil” mass readings which include 7 readings, psalms, prayers, an epistle and the gospel! If you want to read all of them, please check it out at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040321.cfm
The Easier Vigil is quite an amazing ritual and is the Christian “high holy day” and blueprint of the faith. This mass was intended to teach the faithful all they needed to know and was originally the only time of the year that people were allowed to join the church.
But we will be taking up Easter tomorrow. For today we remain in the tomb.
For me, Holy Saturday is a day I can relate to. It is the day when we must sit with dashed hopes and life not going as we planned. Today’s the day when it looks like the hard or bad news is the only news we’re going to get. Today is the day we ritualize being disoriented by life, confused by loss and displaced by grief.
I think most of us can relate to Holy Saturday. We’re not at the place in life where the good news has arrived. Our plans, hopes and dreams have been upended somehow. We feel discouraged and sad. We don’t know whether things will “work out for the better” and there’s not much by way of comfort.
Oftentimes this comes abruptly. A relationship ends. We lose work. A health crisis emerges or there is a difficult life change. What is more, we don’t have a time frame for how long this will go on. Maybe it’s a week. Maybe a month. Maybe longer.
The disciples knew this feeling. The one whom they followed and turned to as leader had been executed as a criminal by the state. The forces of hate and evil had seemingly won. Their future looked incredibly bleak.
My sense is that so many of us have been living in Holy Saturday time for the past year. COVID has changed and taken away so much, and we’re still working to figure out what it will all mean.
That is what I think Holy Saturday honors – all of the situations in our lives where we wait, hope and pray for a change. We honor all of the aspects of our lives for which there are no pat answers, no seeming hope of restoration, no immediate good news and no quick fix. Today honors the “slow burning” prayers that we each carry for ourselves, for others and for the world. Today honors the faith we hold that something will change and open up a new possibility. But it’s not there yet.
For today, offer to God all of those prayers and know that God hears and is with you – even if what you hoped for has not yet arrived.
14 Comments
Chris Adams
Especially meaningful commentary as a close friend faces a new, serious health crisis and as we all continue to experience the pandemic. Thank you Mike (and guests) for an excellent series of daily reflections this Lent.
Mike Boucher Author
I am sorry to hear, Chris. Thanks for naming this and for being along with us.
Barbara Simmons
Thank you, Mike, for reminding us that despite all the joys and blessings in our lives, we all face some turmoil and uncertainty at times. We need to be patient and wait when these situations arise. I am not patient by nature, so this is a good reminder to just sit with our hope for change, pray, and know that God is sitting with us. Your Lenten reflections have been so insightfulness. Happy Easter to you and your family.
Mike Boucher Author
Happy Easter, Barb! God is truly sitting with us no matter what!
Claire Benesch
Thank you, Mike, for this and all your reflections during this holy season of Lent. You have helped me in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your perspective and your beautiful faith. I appreciate you! Happy and blessed Easter to you and your family. I will miss your daily inspiration.
Mike Boucher Author
I have so appreciated having you along for the journey, Claire! Happy Easter! I will miss seeing what you wrote each day.
Thomas P Dwyer
This whole year has seemed like a test of our patience and faith. Life has taught us to be still, less distracted and maintain hope and trust in God. We all are in these times together; Covid doesn’t discriminate. And then there’s the other; just the day to day concerns that have always been with us. As these vaccines go into our arms may we find comfort today and each day forward that God’s prescence in our lives doesn’t change. We can count on Jesus even in troubled times or especially in difficult times.
Happy Easter All.
Mike Boucher Author
Thanks, Patrick. So well said. Happy Easter!
Francene C McCarthy
I just finished writing in my journal reflecting on the past year. Usually 34 of my extended family gather together for Polish Easter having baskets blessed and pierogies and all the fixings afterward. Last year I ate alone, this year I will be with my immediate family. Last year I “air hugged” my grands, this year it is hugs and kisses. There is always a time of darkness and then a resurrection. I am so grateful to reflect on my faith and the importance it has in my life. Thank you for these wonderful meditations and have a blessed Easter. New days are ahead. Allelujah!
Mike Boucher Author
Thank, Fran, for sharing your faith with us through the blog. Next year, may there be 34 gathered again! And if you need a 35th, those pierogies and fixings sound awfully tempting.
Mary Stazie
Mike, your reflection on Holy Saturday resonates with me in a profound way. Thank you so very much for this blog and your spiritual insight. ❤️
Mike Boucher Author
thanks, Mary!
Dianne & Michael Curry
Mike,
Michael and I have so enjoyed these beautiful, thought provoking blogs from you on how to think (and pray) differently, especially in this holy time as we approach Easter. We are blessed to have you as an integral member of our faith community at Spiritus and a tireless coach in life teachings!
Happy Easter to you, Lynne and your family!!
Mike Boucher Author
thanks so much, Curry family! I am so fortunate to be part of such a great community – which includes folks like you!
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