Lenten Reflection - Holy Saturday
The Hidden Resurrection
"They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus." – Luke 24:2-3
The resurrection of Jesus was a hidden event. The disciples did not witness the resurrection. Instead, they found an empty tomb. Jesus didn't rise from the grave to baffle his opponents, to make a victory statement, or to prove to those who crucified him that he was right after all. Jesus rose to console those who believed in him and followed him that God's divine love is stronger than death. To the women and men who committed themselves to him, he revealed that his mission had been fulfilled. To those who shared in his ministry, he gave the sacred task to call all people into the new life with him.
God lifted up Jesus to give us the radical hope that forgiveness is victorious over vengeance, that love conquers hate, that goodness transforms evil. Hidden in the crucible of sin and death is redemption and new life.
But much of the world did not take notice. Only those whom he called by name, with whom he broke bread, and to whom he spoke words of peace were aware of what happened. Still, it was this hidden event that freed humanity from the shackles of death. It is still hidden today; yet in faith, we catch glimpses. In faith, we uncover its hidden power. In faith, we witness its freeing love.
"O God, help me to know and appreciate the awesome mysteries of redemption that are largely hidden from our view."
inspired by Henri Nouwen
Fr. Tri Dinh, SJ
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Suggested reflection format
"They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus." – Luke 24:2-3
The resurrection of Jesus was a hidden event. The disciples did not witness the resurrection. Instead, they found an empty tomb. Jesus didn't rise from the grave to baffle his opponents, to make a victory statement, or to prove to those who crucified him that he was right after all. Jesus rose to console those who believed in him and followed him that God's divine love is stronger than death. To the women and men who committed themselves to him, he revealed that his mission had been fulfilled. To those who shared in his ministry, he gave the sacred task to call all people into the new life with him.God lifted up Jesus to give us the radical hope that forgiveness is victorious over vengeance, that love conquers hate, that goodness transforms evil. Hidden in the crucible of sin and death is redemption and new life.
But much of the world did not take notice. Only those whom he called by name, with whom he broke bread, and to whom he spoke words of peace were aware of what happened. Still, it was this hidden event that freed humanity from the shackles of death. It is still hidden today; yet in faith, we catch glimpses. In faith, we uncover its hidden power. In faith, we witness its freeing love.
"O God, help me to know and appreciate the awesome mysteries of redemption that are largely hidden from our view."
inspired by Henri Nouwen
Fr. Tri Dinh, SJ
-----
Suggested reflection format
posted by magis at
7:11 AM
