Jesus had been crucified. He had been taken away. His disciples were afraid.

Easter Vigil, or Holy Saturday, is the time the church observes between the death of Jesus on Good Friday and the celebration of Easter at sunrise.

The early church often chose this time for baptism of new converts and reaffirmation of faith of members who were rejoining the fellowship. These persons had spent the forty days of Lent in fasting, study, and discipline and were ready to join in communion with others in the church on Easter Day.

Today we reflect on what those hours from Friday to Sunday must have been like at the actual time of Jesus' death.

For his mother, Mary, for the disciples, and for all the men and women who had followed Jesus, this must have been the most difficult of times. It was the Jewish Sabbath. The body of their Lord had been hastily placed in a borrowed grave offered by Joseph of Arimathea. Since the Sabbath began on Friday at sundown they had not been able to anoint the body. Sabbath laws forbade travel for any distance so they could not go to the burial place. They were observing laws that forbade them to kindle a fire or prepare a meal. Most of them were in hiding because of fear of the authorities who had condemned the Master. Many, who were from other towns, were probably staying in unfamiliar surroundings. Whatever hopes they had of Jesus as the promised Messiah had been dashed. Judas had committed suicide. Peter and the other disciples were haunted with the remorse of their denial and desertion. We commemorate the Easter vigil with the certain knowledge of a resurrection. but for Jesus' followers that Sabbath had no foretaste of Easter joy.

How can we, who know the good news, reach out to others who need that message? Who among your acquaintances or in your community are the depressed, lonely, ill, in prison, or in other trouble? How can we bring comfort?

Heavenly Father,

We bring before you those who are in trouble or despair today. We especially name______________. Help us find ways to reach out to them.

In Jesus' name, Amen

If you have made a booklet of pictures depicting the events of the Passion page through it now. Compare your pictures to the events in the four gospels.

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Bible verses taken from the New Revised Standard Version