A Reflection for Holy and Great Saturday
O Lord, our God: In their ignorance and audacity, your own creatures put your only Son to death. But Joseph, in his faith and love, took him down from the cross and buried him in his own tomb. The high priests, true to their suspicious nature, posted their guard. As your eternal word lies in the grave, bathed in the fragrance of these funeral flowers, we bring our praise and spiritual worship to him who receives from all believers hymns and prayers in every tongue. From your infinite treasury of gifts, give us hearts that believe in the face of every doubt, minds that rise above cynicism and despair, and spirits that escape the stranglehold of uncontrolled and selfish inclinations. Pardon all our sins and let us all rejoice in the resurrection of your Christ.
By the grace and mercy and love for us of your only Son, with whom you are blest, together with your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit: now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. (A prayer of Fr. Laurence)
My dearest, may the Lord Who lives and IS Life Himself; Who has trampled down and defeated death for our sake by His universe-creating Resurrection from the dead, grant you to embrace the freedom He purchased for you and to live in the glory of His Resurrection.
Tonight is the night “brighter than the day.” The whole creation breaks forth in songs of praise to our God Who has conquered death and granted life to all in the tombs!
Blessed Pascha to you all and thank you for the blessings you have extended to me in your love and encouragement. May we truly be Orthodox on Purpose especially on this wonderful day!
