Holy Saturday - Powerful words of scripture

Living in the light of the Resurrection

On this Easter Saturday, let us reflect on the powerful words of scripture that guide us in our faith journey. Today let us dive deeper into readings from the book of Job, the Psalms, the first letter of Peter, and the gospel of Matthew. Each of these passages offers us wisdom and guidance as we seek to live in the light of the resurrection. There was a man named Jack who was in his early thirties. He was living a normal life, working a 9 to 5 job, enjoying his hobbies, and spending time with his friends and family. However, one day he was faced with a terrifying realization – he was mortal. Jack had never really thought about his own mortality before, but as he lay in bed one night, he suddenly became overwhelmed with the knowledge that one day he would die. He felt a sense of panic and fear wash over him, and he didn't know how to deal with it. For the next few weeks, Jack couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. He found himself obsessing over death and dying, and he began to feel anxious and depressed. He couldn't focus on his work, and he started to distance himself from his friends and family. One day, Jack decided that he couldn't go on like this. He realized that he needed to confront his fear of death head-on and find a way to come to terms with his own mortality. So, he began to seek out books, articles, and other resources that would help him understand death and dying. As he read and learned more, Jack began to feel a sense of peace and acceptance. He realized that death was a natural part of life, and that he didn't need to be afraid of it. He also began to appreciate the time that he had, and he made a conscious effort to live each day to the fullest. Over time, Jack's fear of death subsided, and he was able to enjoy his life once again. He knew that one day he would die, but he no longer felt anxious or afraid. Instead, he felt a sense of gratitude for the time that he had, and he made sure to appreciate every moment. In the end, Jack learned that dealing with our own mortality is not easy, but it is something that we all must face. By confronting his fear and learning more about death, he was able to find peace and acceptance. And in doing so, he was able to live a fuller, more meaningful life. In Job 14:1-14, we are confronted with the reality of human mortality. Job acknowledges the fleeting nature of life, describing it as a "few days" that are "full of trouble." Yet, even in the face of this harsh truth, Job clings to hope. He trusts in the promise of a God who will not abandon him, even in death. There was a young woman named Sarah. She had been struggling with anxiety and depression for quite some time, but she always tried to push through on her own. She didn't want to burden anyone with her problems, and she thought that she could handle it by herself. One day, Sarah's anxiety became so overwhelming that she couldn't handle it anymore. She felt like she was drowning, and she didn't know what to do. She realized that she needed help, but she didn't know who to turn to. After thinking for a while, Sarah decided to call her mother. She was hesitant at first, but she knew that her mother loved her and would do anything to help her. When her mother answered the phone, Sarah broke down and told her everything that she had been going through. She was afraid that her mother would be disappointed in her, but instead, her mother listened with an open heart and an open mind. Her mother reassured her that she wasn't alone and that it was okay to ask for help. She told her daughter that seeking help was a sign of strength, not weakness. She also reminded Sarah that she was loved and that her family would always be there for her. With her mother's love and support, Sarah started to seek the help that she needed. She went to therapy, started taking medication, and began to prioritize her mental health. It wasn't easy, but she knew that she was doing the right thing. Over time, Sarah started to feel better. She was able to manage her anxiety and depression more effectively, and she felt like she was in control of her life again. She realized that seeking help was one of the best decisions that she had ever made. Through this experience, Sarah learned the importance of trusting in the love and mercy of her loved ones. She realized that there was nothing wrong with asking for help and that she didn't have to face her struggles alone. With the love and support of her family, Sarah was able to overcome her obstacles and live a happier, healthier life Similarly, Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16 speaks to the hope we find in God. The psalmist cries out to the Lord for help, trusting in his mercy and love. Like Job, the psalmist acknowledges the challenges of life, but holds fast to the promise of God's faithfulness. There was a young man named Alex who lived a life filled with worldly desires. He indulged in everything he could get his hands on, from parties to drugs, from women to gambling. He lived a life without any care for tomorrow, always chasing after the next thrill, never thinking about the consequences of his actions. One day, while he was walking down the street, he saw an old man sitting on the sidewalk, looking weak and frail. Alex thought to himself, "I should help this man," but then quickly dismissed the thought, thinking that it would be a waste of his time and energy. He continued walking and went about his day, forgetting all about the old man. That night, Alex had a dream. In his dream, he saw himself standing before a magnificent gate, made of solid gold and adorned with precious gems. He felt a sense of excitement as he approached the gate, thinking that he was about to enter the most beautiful place he had ever seen. But as he reached the gate, he was stopped by a guardian who asked him, "What have you brought with you?" Alex looked down at himself and saw that he was carrying nothing but the clothes on his back. He felt embarrassed and ashamed, realizing that he had spent his entire life accumulating material possessions and pleasures, but had nothing to show for it in the end. The guardian spoke to him again, "You have been given the gift of life, but you have squandered it on worldly desires. Your earthly life was not meant for indulgence, but for living as intended. You must go back and make amends for your past actions, and live the rest of your life with purpose and meaning." Alex woke up from his dream, feeling shaken and overwhelmed. He realized that his life up until that point had been a waste, and he needed to change. He started to think about what he could do to make a positive impact on the world and help those around him. He started volunteering at a local shelter, helping those in need. He started to read books about spirituality and philosophy, trying to understand the meaning of life. He started to live his life with intention, putting others before himself and striving to make a difference in the world. Years went by, and Alex grew old. As he lay on his deathbed, he closed his eyes, feeling content and fulfilled. He knew that he had lived a life of purpose and had made a positive impact on the world. As he took his last breath, he smiled, knowing that he was about to enter the magnificent gate that he had seen in his dream, carrying with him the gift of a life well-lived. In 1 Peter 4:1-8, we are called to follow the example of Christ, who suffered for us. Peter reminds us that our earthly lives are not about indulging in worldly desires, but about living according to the will of God. Through our suffering, we are reminded of the depth of Christ's love for us and the sacrifice he made on our behalf. Finally, in Matthew 27:57-66, we hear the story of Jesus' burial. Even as his body is laid in the tomb, we know that this is not the end of the story. We await the joyous resurrection that is to come, trusting in the power and promise of our risen Lord. In all of these passages, we are reminded of the truth of Easter: that death is not the end, but the beginning of a new life in Christ. We are called to live with hope, trusting in the promise of God's faithfulness and the power of his love. As we reflect on these words of scripture, let us remember that the story of Easter is one of transformation and new beginnings. May we be inspired to live our lives in the light of this truth, embracing the hope and joy that comes from knowing our risen Lord.