Read Luke 23:50-56
It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. Luke 23:54 NRSV
It is the last day of Holy Week as Christians everywhere prepare for Easter. Holy Saturday is the day after the crucifixion and the day before the resurrection. For the followers of Jesus this was a day of sobering grief, it was a dark day, an interlude without hope or expectation. Those living in that day were poised between dealing with the trauma of Christ’s death and getting on with life – observing the sabbath to come. Luke tells us that Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin who had not agreed to their plan and action was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. Yet, in this dark moment, they carried out a generous act of piety and devotion preparing the broken body of Christ according to tradition. They took his body from the cross, wrapping it in linen and laying it in Joseph’s newly hewn tomb. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee seeing this departed to prepare spices and fragrant oils for anointment of the body. Completing this act of compassion and respect, they set out in preparation for the Sabbath.
Our journey through Lent has almost reached its end. For modern Christians this is not so much a day of mourning, as one of watchful expectation. Our annual destination is that glorious Easter sunrise, the resurrection of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s promise for all humankind. Joseph and the women who had followed Jesus were keenly aware that it was the day of Preparation.
As Methodists we attempt to live a theology of discipleship. As we face tomorrow and the Easter sunrise, have we prepared for Eastertide? How will we spend this Holy Saturday, this day, this life? Will Easter morning find you waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God? John Wesley urged us to consistently access the means of grace through prayer, study, worship, fasting and communion with other Christians. Will we act with attention and sacrifice? Are we ready for that great celebration? This is the day the Lord has made, your Holy Saturday, your day of preparation.
Deborah J. Noe
Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me with my preparation for the victory of Christ Jesus. Prepare in my heart a space where I may confidently, “proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. Lead me that I might surround my fellow travelers with a community of love and forgiveness. That we may grow in our service to others. Praying for all that we become true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life. Amen.
