The Vigil

   Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near.

   And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. (Luke 23:50-56, New King James Version)

Yesterday, we remembered Jesus’ death on Calvary. Today, we wait, just like His followers waited after they watched him being laid to rest in a borrowed tomb. Saturday was their Sabbath and no work could be done. They probably stayed in their homes that day and after the usual worship rituals, they bowed their heads in prayer and meditation, waiting and wondering if their Lord would return the next day as He had promised.

When we think of Easter and what it means, we know what Good Friday and Easter morning are all about. We may even have an awareness of Thursday and Jesus serving the Last Supper. But I think that Saturday is just another day to most people, the day in between, the day to go about our business, and on any other year, to do some prep work for Easter dinner.

But for me, Holy Saturday is just as important as the other days. It’s a time to reflect on the things which Jesus taught during His ministry, to remember the promises He made and to rest in the knowledge that He is coming back.

Church steeples in Jerusalem - photo courtesy of Denise Dorsey 

Today is as good a day as any to also reflect, remember and rest in regard to COVID19. Reflect on how we have come together, how we have found ways to carry on with our lives when our world is turned upside. Remember that we are not in this battle alone and remember all the loved ones and strangers who need our help and our prayers. Rest our bodies and our minds so we can stay healthy in body and mind. And of course, wait patiently for all of this pass. It will take more than three days, three weeks, and maybe even three months, but the clouds will clear and we will be set free one day.