Saturday after Palm Sunday

The Sabbath

On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment. Luke 23:56b

Meditation

Easter is an interesting day of celebration for many reasons, one of which is how the actual day is determined. It is not a specific calendar day, like Christmas or New Year’s. It is not a specific day of a specific week, like Thanksgiving. Easter is not determined by human calendars, but by the movements of the created universe. Easter occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. The equinox occurs when the sun is midway on its journey from its high point in the northern sky and its low point in the southern sky.

Scripture is silent on the happenings of the day between the crucifixion and the resurrection. It is the Sabbath – a day of rest. No doubt, for the followers of Jesus who remained faithful to the end, this day of rest was needed to begin recovering from the emotionally draining events of the previous day.

Spiritual Discipline

            Fast on this day by refraining from eating any solid food between sunrise and sunset. As your hunger builds during the day, remember the followers of Jesus who, even though they had been told, did not know Jesus would be resurrected tomorrow morning. Meditate on the lost and hopeless feeling they experienced. Experience the despair with them.

Prayer

            Crucified Lord, on this day of rest, on this day of recuperation, I make my final preparations for your resurrection. A part of me has died with you on this journey. I pray you will resurrect a new me with you tomorrow, a me that is a more faithful and devoted follower of you in all my ways and for all my days on earth. Amen.

This is the 49^th in a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes. Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.