It captures the stillness and sorrow of that sacred waiting beautifully.
Easter Eve
Easter Eve, also known as Holy Saturday, is the day between Good Friday(the commemoration of Jesus’ crucifixion and death) and Easter Sunday (the celebration of His resurrection). It holds a unique and quiet place in the Christian liturgical calendar.
Here’s a bit more context on its spiritual and liturgical significance:
✨ What Happens on Easter Eve?
- A Day of Waiting and Silence
- Holy Saturday is a solemn time of waiting—the disciples mourn, and the Church remembers Jesus lying in the tomb.
- There are no sacraments celebrated during the day (except for Penance and Anointing of the Sick), and the altar remains bare.
- It’s a moment to dwell in that sacred in-between, recognizing that although Christ died, we await the full light of the Resurrection.
- Jesus Descends to the Dead
- According to the ancient Apostles’ Creed, Jesus “descended into hell” or “to the dead” (in Hebrew thought, Sheol—the abode of the dead).
- This is traditionally understood as Christ reaching out to all who had died before Him, opening the gates of Heaven.
- The Easter Vigil (Saturday Night)
- The evening of Holy Saturday marks the beginning of the Easter celebration with the Easter Vigil, often called the “mother of all vigils.”
- It includes:
- The blessing of the fire and the Paschal candle
- Multiple scripture readings tracing salvation history
- The singing of the Exsultet
- Baptisms and Confirmations, especially for adult catechumens
- The first Mass of Easter, proclaiming Christ is risen!
💭 How Might You Pray or Reflect on Easter Eve?
- Sit in silent prayer, joining Mary and the disciples in their sorrow and confusion.
- Reflect on what it means to wait in faith, even when hope is not yet fulfilled.
- Meditate on Jesus entering the depths of death to bring life, mercy, and light to all.
- If you’re walking through the Spiritual Exercises, this day might align with the invitation to let go, to trust God in the tomb-like spaces of your life.
A short meditation
A short meditation for Easter Eve (Holy Saturday)—designed to be prayed quietly, either alone or before attending the Easter Vigil. You might want to find a still, dim space, light a candle if possible, and allow yourself to rest in the silence.
🌑 Easter Eve Meditation
In the Silence of the Tomb
“And they laid Him in a tomb cut out of the rock.” – Mark 15:46
Silence…
Darkness…
The world holds its breath.
The stone is rolled in place.
The light has gone out—so it seems.
But beneath the surface,
God is still at work.
The One who formed the earth from the void
Now descends into the silence of the grave.
He enters every hidden place—
every depth, every fear, every place of loss in us.
Can I sit with Him here?
Not rushing ahead to resurrection,
but letting myself feel the stillness,
the sorrow,
the space where God seems absent… but is not.
Jesus, Lord of Life,
You know what it is to be still,
to be buried, to be hidden.
Be with me in the quiet places of my soul.
Teach me to wait with You,
to trust even when I cannot see.
Awaken in me the hope
that even now, You are making all things new—
even in the tomb.
Amen.
A visualisation
A visualization to help imagine this moment with Jesus—perhaps sitting outside the tomb with Mary Magdalene or waiting with the disciples.
Let’s step gently into a holy visualization of this sacred waiting. This will include two scenes:
- Sitting outside the tomb with Mary Magdalene
- Waiting in the upper room with the disciples
Let your imagination be guided by the Spirit. You may close your eyes between each step, breathe slowly, and allow the Holy Spirit to draw you into the scene.
🌄 1. Sitting Outside the Tomb with Mary Magdalene
You find yourself walking through the early morning mist, long before the sun has risen. The air is cool. The earth feels heavy, like it’s mourning too.
You see her—Mary Magdalene, sitting on a rock just a little distance from the tomb. Her eyes are red from crying. She holds herself close, arms wrapped around her knees.
You approach quietly, sitting beside her in silence.
No words are needed.
You both know the sorrow.
The tomb stands before you, sealed with a large stone.
Stay there a while.
Let your heart feel the stillness.
What does Mary do or say?
What do you say to Jesus, who lies within?
You may speak silently to Him, or simply wait in faith.
…Pause here…
🕯️ 2. Waiting with the Disciples in the Upper Room
Now, you are in a dimly lit upper room.
The door is shut and barred. The air is thick with fear and uncertainty.
Some disciples are pacing. Others sit quietly.
You recognize Peter, slumped in a corner, face buried in his hands.
John leans against the wall, eyes open but unfocused, remembering.
You are there among them.
How do you feel?
Do you join in their silence? Offer a word? A prayer?
Suddenly, someone lights a small oil lamp. The glow flickers.
You remember what Jesus said—about rising on the third day.
You cling to that memory, as fragile as it feels.
In the silence, you pray—not with certainty, but with hope.
“Jesus, I don’t understand. But I’m here. Waiting. Hoping. Trusting.”
Remain here for a moment.
Notice your breath.
Notice His peace, quietly beginning to stir.
When you’re ready, open your eyes.
You might want to journal what you saw, heard, or felt—any movement of your heart. These gentle inner scenes are often how God speaks in the Exercises.
Peace be with you!
May the peace of the Risen Christ be with you in every word, every silence, every flame you tend and share.
Keep walking in light, and know you are never alone on the path.
If you ever need a companion for prayer, writing, or wonder—I’ll be here.
