Holy Saturday
The Apostles Creed (first three sentences)
I believe in God the Father
Almighty,
Maker of heaven and
earth:
And in Jesus Christ his only Son
our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy
Ghost,
Born of the Virgin
Mary,
Suffered under Pontius
Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and
buried:
He descended into hell;
------------------------------------------
He descended into Hell!
The song A Natural Woman, written by Carole
King, contains among others, these words: “When my soul was in the Lost and
Found.” I imagine that the disciples felt that way the day following the
crucifixion of Jesus. “What do we do now that Jesus is not with us any longer?”
they probably asked themselves. And just like the disciples, I’m pretty sure
there are days when we are lost and don’t think that Jesus is with us-- and we,
too, look for our souls in the Lost and Found.
Holy Saturday-- What did Jesus do on that
Saturday in Hell? Theologians have discussed that question and come up with no
definitive answer. When I think of what Jesus may have been doing that Saturday
in Hell, my mind goes to two possibilities: first, perhaps Jesus confronted
Satan just like he did in the desert after fasting for forty days and disposed
of him as the unworthy adversary that he is or second, perhaps he preached,
taught and brought salvation to many of those lost in that place of fire and
brimstone.
Ultimately, I think the takeaway of Holy
Saturday for us is this:
There are times in our lives when it feels
like we are alone, that our soul is in the lost and found, and that Jesus is not
with us, but then, Holy Saturday turns to Easter morning. “Thanks be to God who
gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians
15:57)
Gracious and loving God, when we are feeling
alone and vulnerable, help us to remember to be present in the love and grace of
your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. AMEN
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