Holy Saturday
April 19, 2025
Holy Saturday, April 19th
This is Holy Saturday. In Christian scripture, this is the day that Jesus lay in the tomb after his burial. It is a day of stillness and quiet. It’s the day the disciples descended into grief. In the motif of birth, death, and resurrection, it is the “no man’s land” between death and resurrection. It is the winter before spring, the slumber before waking, and the pause before action. It is when nothing happens. So why is it necessary?
The latent period is comparable to the time in the cocoon before new life comes; it is the time of rest before the burst of life. Birth, death, and resurrection happen in many forms throughout our lives. We die to our childhood and are reborn into a new phase of life. We die to our roles and assume other roles. We die to our physical abilities and adapt to new abilities. Usually, before new life comes, there is a pause.
When we retreat, we intentionally pause. When in a pause, we prepare, whether in the form of regaining energy, discernment, or rest. The time between death and resurrection is such a time. And this liminal space gives us pause to see what we may have died for and what we might be preparing for.
Today can be a pause for you. You can retreat into your sacred space and listen to the still, small voice. It may tell you about the new life that wants to spring forth in you. Whatever may have died in you may be waiting to be birthed in a different form.
Spiritual practice: Plan a retreat for spiritual discernment.
Self-inquiry: Do you welcome latent periods, or do you dread them?
Dear God,
This liminal space helps me feel the stirring of new life within. Amen
