The Church calls this day “Blessed Sabbath” or more commonly, “Holy Saturday.” On this day, our Lord reposed (rested) from his accomplishments. Many throughout history also believe that Holy Saturday is a fulfillment of Moses’ words:
God blessed the seventh day. This is the day of rest, on which God rested from all His works (Gen. 2:2).
The Church connects this day with the creation account. On day seven, Yahweh rested and enjoyed the fruit of his creation. Jesus Christ also sabbathed in the rest given to him by the Father and enjoyed the fruits of the New Creation he began at the Crucifixion and is fully brought to light on the next day.
Therefore, Holy Saturday is a day of rest for God’s people; a foretaste of the true Rest that comes in the Risen Christ. The calmness of Holy Saturday makes room for the explosion of Easter Sunday. Today we remember that the darkness of the grave and the rest of the Son were only temporary for on the third day the risen Lord of glory cannot contain his joy, and so he gives it to us fully.
Prayer: O, Christ, we know that tomorrow will not be the same a previous Easter Sundays. We are saddened that the vast majority of God’s people will not be able to join their jubilant voices in one space. Yet, Easter still comes in all its fullness and we share in that jo
