Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Florencio Lagura SVD – New Jersey USA
Easter Vigil – Pascal Triduum
Introduction
In the middle of Holy Week, three brothers — Faustino, Cipriano, and Esteban — debated whether the term “Black Saturday” was correct. To resolve the matter, they consulted a Redemptorist priest. He explained that while some media popularized the term, it was misleading. If the day of Christ’s death is called Good Friday, how could the following day be “black”?
He pointed out that in many places, such as Daanbantayan in Cebu and Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro, people celebrate with fiestas on this day. Popular piety recognizes that something good has already come from the Lord’s passion and death. Thus, the priest concluded, the proper name is Holy Saturday, for it is the eve of the Resurrection.
The Courage of the Women
On this day, three women — Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome — showed more courage than the apostles, who hid in fear. “Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb” (Mark 16:2). Their love and faith led them to seek Jesus even in death. For their devotion, they were rewarded with the privilege of being the first witnesses of the Risen Christ: “He is not here; He has risen!” (Mark 16:6).
They were commissioned to announce the good news to Peter and the disciples, rekindling the dying flame of faith in their hearts. As Matthew records: “Go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee’” (Matthew 28:7).
The Meaning of Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is a day of silence and waiting, but not of despair. St. Peter reminds us: “Christ was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. He went and preached to the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:18–19). Even in death, Christ was at work, bringing hope to those who awaited redemption.
Conclusion
Holy Saturday is not “black.” It is holy, filled with hope, and radiant with the promise of resurrection. Like the faithful women, let us wait with courage and love. When Easter dawns, may we proclaim with joy: “The Lord is truly risen, alleluia!” (Luke 24:34).
“Lord, teach me to wait in hope, to love with courage, and to proclaim Your resurrection with joy.”
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