Holy Saturday

This is a day of quiet prayer waiting for the Easter vigil tonight. It is a day to spend with Mary who also waited, full of hope. I was preparing the prayer for my community for today by looking at the Office of the day suggested in two different daily Mass books. One is what I would consider rather traditional and uses prayers and readings we associate with the death of Christ and the expectations of the early Christians that He will be raised from the dead. The other Office needs more reflection to really understand why these selections from Scripture fit Holy Saturday. I chose these and copy them here for you to also reflect on today:

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

God is for us a refuge and strength,

An ever present help in time of distress;

So we shall not fear though the earth should rock,

Though the mountains quake to the heart of the sea;

Even though its waters rage and foam,

Even though the mountains be shaken by its tumult.

Come and behold the works of the Lord,

The awesome deeds he has done on the earth;

He puts an end to wars over all the earth;

The bow he breaks, the spear he snaps, the shields he burns with fire;

Be still and know that I am God,

Exalted over nations, exalted over earth! (Psalm 46:2-4,9-12

The Lord of hosts is with us:

The God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Glory be to the Father,….

First Reading: (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

For though the fig tree does not blossom and no fruit appears on the vine,

Though the yield of the olive fails and the terraces produce no nourishment,

Though the flocks disappear from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls,

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord and exult in my saving God,

God, my Lord, is my strength, he makes my feet swift as those of deer,

And enables me to tread upon the heights.

Silent Reflection

Second Reading: (Romans 8: 18-21)

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious kingdom of the children of God.

Silent Reflection

Intercessions:

God, in stillness and emptiness we remember you as we pray:  Blessed be God

Open our hearts to ponder the mystery of your self-giving love. 

Remain with those who suffer in mind, body, and spirit.

Be with this little Society consecrated to the Heart of Jesus.

May we keep watch during this Easter vigil awaiting the resurrection of Christ and celebrating the One who by dying destroyed our death and by rising restored our life. Amen