Holy Saturday ... When the Grief -- and the Hours -- Seemed Eternal

I was staggered at the thought, which for 62 years had been hiding from me in plain sight -- the likelihood that after Jesus’ crucifixion, his followers fell into deep grief and anxiety -- and what must have seemed eternal waiting.

At a prayer service this morning, in a church bereft of consecrated host and crucifix, I heard a deacon talk about the day after Christ’s crucifixion and his speculation on what they saw, felt and experienced the day after Christ’s death, hours before his resurrection.

Detail of Mary Magdalene kissing the feet of the crucified Jesus, Italian, early 14th century. She is one of the three Marys found in the Irish song "Caoineadh na dTrí Muire," and cited in the Gospel of John as present at Jesus' death.

Jesus had foretold he’d arise on the third day. But his closest followers, being human, just like their Lord, were left to alternate between bouts of intense grief and fear -- would they ever see Him again and if not, what did that mean for the world!

They were anxious about the future -- here they bet all on a man who many realized could transform the world that they knew. But rather than sweeping despots and hypocrites from thrones and altars, as many hoped, He passed from their midst, not with a bang, but a whimper, dieing a felon’s death, without a sword raised to save him (discounting perhaps Peter’s lopping off the ear of someone from Judas’ cohort the night before).

When the following morning Mary Magdalene found Christ’s body gone, is it truly any wonder that her first thought was that someone stole Our Lord’s remains? The stakes for these first disciples was immense, and a form of denial of Christ’s divinity understandably seemed to take hold at Christ’s death. It was the staggering scenes that unfolded on Easter morning that jolted the disciples and, through the ensuing millennia, the world into understanding the incompehensible. Christ Is Risen! (Uttered with a bang, not a whimper …)

ALLELUIA!

Views: 189

Tags: Art, Arts, Faith, Sacred Art, Visual Arts

Comment by James McNamara on August 11, 2015 at 12:03am

I love the story in the bible of the journey of his two followers (not named) who are fleeing Jerusalem after his death.  The meet up with another traveler who teaches them the meanings of old testament prophecies in regards to the coming savior.  He asks leave when the two decide to shelter. But they invite him for dinner and to stay the night.  He breaks bread and offers wine as he did so many times.  Just as the two followers recognize Jesus he disappears from their view. The next day they return to Jerusalem and spread the story.  I hope I got this right.  I think this is his first appearance to any of his followers.

Gerry, enjoyed the piece and will say I remember traveling through Dundalk on Holy Saturday one year.  I went to the Easter vigil services at St Patrick's Cathedral and really enjoyed the part outside, the fire, the symbolism and the great service by the local bishop and the several of the parish priests.

It's good to remember, and to imagine about what might have been and what will come tomorrow.

Comment by Gerry Regan on August 11, 2015 at 8:47am

Jim, that is a particularly poignant Gospel story, yes. I'm so pleased this got your attention and you took time to comment. Keep in touch!

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