Saturday 11th April 2020
Holy Saturday
Romans 6:3-11 Matthew 28:1-10
The whole world is silent. The
close friends of Jesus, especially his disciples cannot believe that Jesus has
actually died. We too are sad because it was our sins that nailed him to the
cross. We have all in one way or another been surprised at what is happening
around us. Many Christians could not have imagined that there will be an Easter
celebration without the Lay Faithful in the Church. Many have already lost
their faith and hope in God with the Covid-19 pandemic. The disciples of Jesus
had also lost hope when they saw Jesus captured and crucified. They saw Jesus
die and buried. They could not imagine it, no wonder they ran away and even
Peter denied him.
The plan of God to save us did
not just start on good Friday, but since our first parents as we see in the
seven readings from the Old Testament today. God had through various means and
people tried to reconcile us to himself. We see how he led the Israelites
through the wilderness despite all their sins. The Pascal candle which
represents Christ, means that Christ the light has come to illumine our
darkened world. As St Paul tells us in Gal 4:4, at the fullness of time, God
sent his son, born of a woman to save us from our sins. We are therefore happy
today because after Good Friday comes Easter.
As we await the glorious
resurrection of our saviour from the dead tonight, we are called to be more conscious of our
lives. As we enter a glorious season of Easter, we should not forget our lenten
observances and sacrifices. We should not forget our prayers, fasting and
almsgiving. We should avoid sin.
Mary Magdalene is a very good
example in the gospel reading of today. When others lost hope in Jesus and
wanted to return to their former ways of life, she trusted Jesus and continued to show her love for Jesus even
in death. She was therefore privileged to be the first person to see Jesus after his resurrection.
We have every reason to celebrate
today and make merry. May the joy of the risen Christ continue to radiate in
our lives and help us to hold on firmly to him regardless of any situation.
Amen. God help us.
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP
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