Mass Readings: April 23
VICTORY GARDEN
"In the place where He had been crucified there was a garden." –John 19:41
Holy Saturday is a unique day liturgically. During the day, there is
no Mass and no Eucharist. Jesus isn't in the tabernacle; He's in the
tomb. The agony and apparent defeat of the cross is etched deeply in our
minds. Baptized into Jesus' death, we identify with Jesus buried in the
grave (Rm 6:3-4).
There is hope in the emptiness of this day.
There is a garden in Calvary (Jn 19:41). When we follow Jesus to the
cross and remain with Him in His sufferings, we are able to see the
garden. Those who flee the suffering of Calvary miss out on the garden.
In this garden is the beginning of new hope and risen life. Also in this
garden will soon be the Gardener, the risen Jesus, shining in
resurrected glory (Jn 20:15).
Therefore, stay with Jesus, as did
Mary Magdalene and her companions. Don't leave Him and miss out on the
joys to be found in Calvary's garden.
PRAYER: | Jesus, I will remain with
You simply because You are "all in all" to me (1 Cor 15:28). I wait in
hope for the fulfillment of Your Father's promise (Acts 1:4). |
PROMISE: | (none) |
PRAISE: | (none)
|