HOLY SATURDAY

Suggested Readings:

Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24

Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16

1 Peter 4:1-8

John 19:38-42

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On Holy Saturday I would like to call your attention to the reading from Lamentations. The book of Lamentations is a collection of five laments bewailing the fall of Jerusalem to the Neo-Babylonians in 586 BCE. The poems share common lament motifs and vocabulary with portions of Psalms, Job, and the Prophets. As one of the five “Scrolls” grouped together in the Old Testament for use at major festivals, Lamentations is assigned to the annual Jewish commemoration of the date of Jerusalem’s fall. Portions of the book are also incorporated into the Christian Holy Week celebration of Tenebrae (the traditional Good Friday liturgy). (New Interpreter’s Study Bible)

It is easy to sense the hopelessness and despair of Jesus’ disciples on this day. They left homes, families, and jobs to follow Jesus. For three years they had followed him, listened to his teachings, and witnessed his miracles. Now. . .they sit in stunned silence, their grief and pain overwhelming. Jesus is dead. Dead and buried. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus prepared the body and placed it in a garden tomb. A stone has been rolled in front of the opening. It seems to be the end of hope.

Into this hopelessness we read the words of Lamentations.

The thought of my affliction and my homelessness

Is wormwood and gall!

My soul continually thinks of it

and is bowed down within me.

But this I call to mind,

and therefore, I have hope.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,

“Therefore, I will hope in him.” (3:19-24 italics added)

On this Saturday we call to mind the promise that regardless of affliction, we always have hope in the steadfast love of the Lord. God’s mercy is always present, regardless of circumstances. Internalize the powerful affirmation, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end.”  Each morning brings with the rising sun the affirmation of God’s great faithfulness. In this affirmation we have unfailing hope.