Scripture Notes: A Day of Silence

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus have wrapped the broken body of Jesus in linen cloths and placed it gently and reverently, with great love, in the tomb as the women watched. They could do no more, for the Sabbath was approaching. Now they and Jesus’ other disciples wait. They mourn. They have little hope, if any, at this point, for they do not understand Jesus’ proclamations that He would rise from the dead.

There is one exception. As the Blessed Virgin Mary grieves, she hopes. She knows her Son will rise, but she feels His absence. She mourns His suffering, even though she fully consented to His sacrifice. But she waits in faith and love, for she knows the story is not over.

On this Holy Saturday, we wait with the disciples and with our Lady, and we imitate Mary’s faith, hope, and love, preparing our hearts to receive the risen Jesus anew tomorrow on Easter Sunday.