As we move from Lent to Easter, we’ll provide Ignatian prayers for the Triduum, inspired by videos from Arts & Faith: Lent. The video and prayer for Holy Saturday are based on Luke 24:1–12. The art is a 14th-century folio: The Women at the Tomb; The Descent into Limbo.
Preparation
Prepare for a period of meditation by sitting comfortably, closing your eyes, and breathing deeply for a moment or two. Allow any present concerns to move across your mind and wait off to the side for now.
Freedom
You are waiting through Holy Saturday, knowing that Jesus rests in the grave. However, while you sit alone in your home, you sense a presence with you, and you know it is Jesus. In some mysterious way, he has come to you during this endless, awful day.
Not knowing quite what to do, you decide to remain still and listen. After a few moments, you hear Jesus say to you:
“Soon, I will break free of death and the tomb. It is God’s will and my choice. I have the power, given by the Father, to be liberated from the grave.
“You are not in a grave, but neither are you liberated. I break the bonds of death so that you, also, can break your bonds.”
These words shock you. I am not liberated? But I’m not in the grave! Then you work up the courage to ask Jesus, “What bonds are you speaking of?”
“What bonds do you think?” Jesus’ presence is so clearly with you, even though you’re the only one in the room.
His question frustrates you. “I don’t know what you mean, Lord.”
“Where do you long for freedom?” Jesus asks.
Then you think, and you listen to your own heart and mind. In the silence and waiting, it becomes clear to you where, in your life, you need freedom—where you feel trapped, unable to change or move.
“You’re right,” you say to the Presence.
“It is God’s will that you be free,” Jesus says gently. “Is it your choice?”
Concluding Prayer
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Thank you for these thoughtful and inspiring meditations this week .
Thanks to Vinita Hampton Wright for writing an inspired word which will bring discernment in my life as the follower of Jesus Christ who will be liberated death on Easter Sunday.