Friday, April 10, 2020

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Holy Saturday - April 11, 2020


Saturday 11th April 2020
Holy Saturday
Romans 6:3-11 Matthew 28:1-10
The whole world is silent. The close friends of Jesus, especially his disciples cannot believe that Jesus has actually died. We too are sad because it was our sins that nailed him to the cross. We have all in one way or another been surprised at what is happening around us. Many Christians could not have imagined that there will be an Easter celebration without the Lay Faithful in the Church. Many have already lost their faith and hope in God with the Covid-19 pandemic. The disciples of Jesus had also lost hope when they saw Jesus captured and crucified. They saw Jesus die and buried. They could not imagine it, no wonder they ran away and even Peter denied him.
The plan of God to save us did not just start on good Friday, but since our first parents as we see in the seven readings from the Old Testament today. God had through various means and people tried to reconcile us to himself. We see how he led the Israelites through the wilderness despite all their sins. The Pascal candle which represents Christ, means that Christ the light has come to illumine our darkened world. As St Paul tells us in Gal 4:4, at the fullness of time, God sent his son, born of a woman to save us from our sins. We are therefore happy today because after Good Friday comes Easter.
As we await the glorious resurrection of our saviour from the dead tonight,  we are called to be more conscious of our lives. As we enter a glorious season of Easter, we should not forget our lenten observances and sacrifices. We should not forget our prayers, fasting and almsgiving. We should avoid sin.
Mary Magdalene is a very good example in the gospel reading of today. When others lost hope in Jesus and wanted to return to their former ways of life, she trusted Jesus  and continued to show her love for Jesus even in death. She was therefore privileged to be the first person to see  Jesus after his resurrection.
We have every reason to celebrate today and make merry. May the joy of the risen Christ continue to radiate in our lives and help us to hold on firmly to him regardless of any situation. Amen. God help us.
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP

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