April 11, 2009
(Holy Saturday)
Awaiting the Third Day
By
The Very Rev. Terry White,
Dean
Job 14:1-14 -
Psalm 130 or 31:1-5 -
1 Peter 4:1-8 -
John 19:38-42
(From The
Lectionary Page)
Of all the days of Holy Week, this Passover Sabbath, the full day the body of the Crucified Lord rested in the tomb is the most difficult to experience as the Lord’s disciples experienced it. We are busy with meal plans, decorating, putting finishing touches on outfits, and taking care of other details which will add to our celebration of the Resurrection. But in the time we pause to observe this day, we will be blessed. We hear Job testifying to the shortness of life, the psalmist waiting for the Lord’s deliverance, and the admonition to live each day faithfully from 1 Peter.
For resurrection to occur, there must be death. For new life to spring forth, old life must end. If a grain of wheat dies and falls into the earth ... From our depths, whatever they may be, the Lord will deliver us. We await the Third Day.
Let us pray. O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
