Posted by The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Cyril Ortega SVD – Divine Word College of Vigan, Philippines
Holy Saturday / Easter Vigil
What did the disciples of Jesus discover on the third day of Jesus’ death? None of Jesus’ followers were expecting to see an empty tomb and hear the angel’s message, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise” (Luke 24:5-7).
The angel urged them to believe that Jesus had indeed risen just as he had promised. This good news was not easy for them to grasp because their hearts were still weighed down with grief and doubt. In wonder they went to share the good news with the other disciples.
What is the significance of the stone being rolled away? It would have taken several people to move such a stone. And besides, the sealed tomb had been guarded by soldiers!
This is clearly the first sign of the resurrection.
It is significant that the disciples had to first deal with the empty tomb before they could come to grips with the fact that Scripture had foretold that Jesus would die for our sins and then rise triumphant.
Bede (672-735 AD) explains why the Risen Lord chose to reveal himself gradually to the disciples: “Our Lord and redeemer revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples gradually and over a period of time, undoubtedly because so great was the virtue of the miracle that the weak hearts of mortals could not grasp [the significance of] this all at once. Thus, he had regard for the frailty of those seeking him.
To those who came first to the tomb, both the women who were aflame with love for him and the men, he showed the stone rolled back. Since his body had been carried away, he showed them the linen cloths in which it had been wrapped lying there alone. Then, to the women who were searching eagerly, who were confused in their minds about what they had found out about him, he showed a vision of angels who disclosed evidences of the fact that he had risen again. Thus, with the report of his resurrection already accomplished, going ahead of him, the Lord of hosts and the king of glory himself at length appeared and made clear with what great might he had overcome the death he had temporarily tasted.”
One thing is certain, if Jesus had not risen from the dead and appeared to his disciples, we would never have heard of him. The reality of the resurrection is the central fact of the Christian faith. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Lord gives us “eyes of faith” to know him and the power of his resurrection. The greatest joy we can have is to encounter the living Lord and to know him personally.
Holy Saturday does not simply commemorate what God has done in previous times. Holy Saturday also celebrates what God is doing today. Jesus indeed saved us by dying on the cross over 2,000 years ago. However, God is at work in our lives today. Salvation is still in process! Let the gift and grace of the resurrection continue to live in and through us!
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