Holy Saturday

Today is a day of joyous anticipation for Catholics and Christians everywhere. We know the truth and certainty of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and look forward to celebrating His victory over death and the hope for eternal life that it offers. We are called to share that hope and joy with everyone, to literally go and make disciples of all nations as noted in the Great Commission in the Gospel of St. Matthew.

Our experience today is markedly different than the experience of the apostles, Blessed Mother Mary and others on that first Saturday after Jesus’ crucifixion and death. Their Lord and Savior had been tortured and crucified, and they did not yet grasp what His promise of the temple being restored in three days meant. They were fearful, anxious, depressed, defeated, sad, grieving – you name the negative emotion and it is likely that at least one of them was experiencing it. The apostles were contemplating what to do now that their Master was dead and buried while Mary was experiencing the deepest of sorrows. The world was, at best, desolate and dark.

One year ago our world probably seemed similar. Our parishes were closed during the holiest time of the liturgical calendar. Bishops, priests and deacons were trying to understand what was happening – all the beautiful liturgical celebrations and solemnities were simply gone. The faithful cried out in anger, despair, sadness, sorrow, depression and fear. In too many cases our very lives lost meaning and the enemy took over our thoughts and our lives. Lives everywhere were shattered and fear ruled the day. The world was, at best, desolate and dark.

Today, uncertainty can still rule the day. And like those Christians on that first Saturday after Jesus’ crucifixion and death, it’s easy to question where God is and why things have happened the way they have. Unlike that first Saturday, however, we know and believe that Jesus was resurrected and that He is our hope and salvation. Walk in the certainty that you are loved beyond comprehension by the Creator of the Universe, who became man, suffered, died and was buried for our sins and rose again for our salvation. Embrace that hope and joy and share it with everyone you can. Live the mission of Catholic Charities - bring hope to those who don’t have it.

God bless and keep you.

Gary Tester is President of Catholic Charities of Central Florida.

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