A Plea for Holy Saturday
Wednesday of Holy Week is sometimes referred to as “Ugly Wednesday”. It seems to be the day that the intention of betrayal entered into Judas’ heart. But it's also the day that Jesus was "anointed for his burial" in Bethany by Mary, whose ointment poured out onto Jesus was worth far more than the 30 silver pieces Judas was paid (Mark 14:1-11). It is a picture of costly devotion vs. betrayal for a pittance—I am called to offer Christ all that I have; the temptation of course is to obtain what I want at all costs. So, Ugly Wednesday is a day for reflecting and praying, Where are the seeds of betrayal in my heart? Is my faith anything more than putting Christ to work for a good return? Is there any offering that Christ is inviting from me, while I quietly wonder if He is actually worth it?
Then comes Maundy Thursday. Maundy comes from the Latin “mandatum,” which in English is translated “mandate.” It is the day we remember Jesus’ mandate for his disciples to love one another just as he loved them (John 15:12). On that first Maundy Thursday, Jesus had just modeled this love by washing the disciples’ feet, and he would model it again the next day by laying his life down for them. So, on Maundy Thursday we ask,What does it mean that God washes my feet? How can His humility supplant my pride? How can I follow Him in showing His amazing love?
Good Friday is next. This is the day that Jesus died. Mark tells us that Jesus was on the cross between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm (“the third hour” until “the ninth hour; Mark 15:25-34). On Good Friday this year we will join together with Urban Worship Center to reflect on the seven last words of Christ, which he uttered from the cross. Join us if you can at 6:30pm, as we reflect on the death of the Son of God.
But what do we do with Holy Saturday? In the Apostle’s Creed, the Church has historically confessed that Christ descended into hell. What does it mean that while Christ’s body was in the tomb, he somehow descended into hell? I have yet to preach a sermon on this, but it is a powerful teaching of the church, founded on Scripture. (Here is a brief primer on this doctrine, for your consideration and prayer.)
In terms of observance, Holy Saturday is a day of waiting—Christ was at work even in death, but his remaining disciples were left to ponder what was next and make meaning from his absence. They were hopeless and helpless. And anyway, it was the Sabbath — there wasn’t much for them to do. There isn’t much for us to do.
Or is there?
Yes, Holy Saturday is a day for silence, for stillness, for listening, for reflecting, for waiting. But with whom? The church has often used Holy Saturday as an opportunity to wait particularly with those who are most helpless among us. If I am well fed and feel secure in my needs, there is a neighbor close by who is hungry. If I am satisfied in my relationships, there is a neighbor close by who is reeling from a loss. If I am full of joy in the Holy Spirit, there is a neighbor close by who is depressed. Holy Saturday is a day to keep them company.
For ten years, our church joined with dozens of others on Holy Saturday to deliver meals to food-insecure households across the Philadelphia region, in an effort called “Easter Outreach”. During the pandemic, that effort was transformed into Small Things, a multi-site ministry that delivers meals to homes across the region every week of the year.
Our local branch of Small Things is at our church building every first and third weekend of the month — including this weekend, on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Many regular delivery drivers have established relationships with the households that they see every-other week. Prayer requests may be shared and various blessings are offered, in the name of Jesus. On Friday at 5pm we pack meals. On Saturday at 9am we deliver them. Kids are most welcome on both days! And we could really use your help, both this week and on future first and third weekends. Reach out to lcmvolunteers@liberti.org to RSVP or to get more information.
This Holy Week, I encourage you to read the Scriptures linked above. Through them, ponder how the Holy Spirit is leading you to trust, pray, and wait. But also ask: Is there someone whom I can wait with? Is there someone experiencing hopelessness, whom I could serve as a demonstration of resurrection hope?
I believe this is a prayer He will answer.
Waiting with you,
John Alexander