Text: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.”
Scripture: Psalm 40:1-3, 16-17
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, ‘Great is the Lord!’ As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.
Reflection:
Isolation is an interesting state of mind, and not necessarily a bad thing. In our Christian faith, we believe our God is ever with us…Christ alive! So, even when I am alone, my spirit is full and rejoices with the multitudes of believers, enhancing my awareness of other and Christ with me. Being raised Catholic, Holy Saturday was not a day to be frivolously dismissed as irrelevant. To this day, Holy Saturday reminds me to look into the desolate pit, to experience the miry bog that must have been the place of despair for the disciples after Christ died. Not that I should feel miserable or unworthy, but rather that I may spend some quiet time, between me and Jesus, hoping to more fully understand this amazing love and grace which He gave us and continues to give us. It is this final spiritual quest into the mindset of that day, the bleak and grieving souls grasping for faith and belief, which opens my heart and soul to the possibility of a brighter day. The empty tomb is proof that the glory of God shines beyond any darkness, beyond life itself.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. You pull me out of my darkness and I rejoice in the light of Your love for me. We have all walked in the desolate mires of our lives and know the despair of a people without light and love. It is your grace and love that are so desperately needed on this most Holy Saturday, and every day. Help us to reach out to you through the Holy Spirit, knowing that your presence is only a thought away. Keep our hearts set on the empty tomb and the promise for tomorrow that it brings. All praises be to you, our God. Amen.
Focus for the Day: I will set my thoughts on the promise of the empty tomb. Christ has risen, indeed!
Author: Robbie Sawitski, Interim Administrative Assistant