'Living Lent': Holy Saturday

PRAY:
"Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes." (Psalm 118:22-23)

READING: Matthew 28:1-10

1 After the Sabbath, and towards dawn on the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala and the other Mary went to visit the sepulchre.

2 And suddenly there was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled away the stone and sat on it.

3 His face was like lightning, his robe white as snow.

4 The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they were like dead men.

5 But the angel spoke; and he said to the women, 'There is no need for you to be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said he would. Come and see the place where he lay,

7 then go quickly and tell his disciples, "He has risen from the dead and now he is going ahead of you to Galilee; that is where you will see him." Look! I have told you.'

8 Filled with awe and great joy the women came quickly away from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples.

9 And suddenly, coming to meet them, was Jesus. 'Greetings,' he said. And the women came up to him and, clasping his feet, they did him homage.

10 Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; there they will see me.'

MEDITATION:
On this day, Christ laid in the tomb, waiting to fulfill the prophecy that he should rise from the dead. There is no greater love than for Jesus to lay down his life for us. It is time to prepare for his triumphant return!

LET US PRAY:
Lord, you sent us your only begotten son to die to take away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us! Pardon us for our sins, forgive us for what we have done and what we have failed to do. We are heartily sorry. We trust in your promises that we who are holy shall live again with you and the son, for ever and ever. Amen.

ACT:
Today I will spend time in meditation. I will ensure I have confessed my sins and apologized to those I've wronged. I will express my sorrow to God. I will make sure I am spiritually prepared to greet the risen Christ tomorrow!

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