The Readings
There is no Eucharist celebrated on this day, until the beginning of the Great Easter Vigil this evening. During this time the Church keeps Vigil and tells the story of salvation history.
St. Gaspar
The apostles, indeed, at first generously welcomed and with fullness of heart followed the Savior. But later they became timid and weak to such a degree that they deserted him during the Passion: "Then all the disciples deserted him and ran away."[1] "So, it sometimes happens that a person dedicates himself freely to God, but in the course of time that havoc does not the infernal enemy effect, and that at the expense of conscience? How often does not your wan of fervor open the way to disillusionment, gloom, melancholy and even regret of the step you have taken? This is a source of delight for the enemy. But woe to you if prompt resistance is not offered to his diabolical suggestions! How did the Lord deal with his apostles? He assembled them in the holy Cenacle under the august patronage of his own Mother. Then he called them to recollection, silence and prayer that they thereby implore a renewal of spirit and religious generosity: "The apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord with great power . . . "[2] So, too, God works in us during the days of retreat in order to be able to anticipate and forestall every attack of the devil. My [friends], God has called you to this figurative Cenacle, this retreat. He wishes to communicate his spirit to you in a particular way. He wants to strengthen your hearts, fortify you with virtue and lead you to holiness, so that you may leave this retreat spiritually refreshed and with the enthusiasm of youth to be able to fight the enemy of your soul with greater strength and courage. When you have subdued your foes from within, may you become apostles of God's glory.[3]
Reflection
Why is this night different from all other nights? On other Saturdays we have a 5:30pm Mass, but on this night it is much later and lasts much longer. On other nights we have three readings; on this night we tell the whole story. On other nights we reach to the holy water stoops at the doors, but on this night everyone comes to the baptismal font. This is the day of preparation for the great vigil. On this night the pillar of fire will appear again in the desert of our lives and lead us anew to the promised land of Jesus life and truth.
This should not be like any other Saturday. The experience of the previous day's passion should lead us into a time of silence, prayer, and reflection. For those working for a church it seems to be a day of flowers and of cleaning, but the preparation is for the greatest liturgy of the church's year. St. Gaspar calls us in this silence to a renewal of faith. Many people around the world will enter the font tonight and become a new creature in Christ. For the rest of us it is a time to renew our vows. It will be an exceptional time of grace as a new born people enters the world armed with the light of faith.
-- How do I plan to spend the holiest night of the year?
-- Is there a particular grace I desire this night?
-- Where in my life am I looking for a renewal of Spirit and religious generosity?
[1] Mt 26:56
[2] Ac 4:33
[3] From the Third Circular Letter
There is no Eucharist celebrated on this day, until the beginning of the Great Easter Vigil this evening. During this time the Church keeps Vigil and tells the story of salvation history.
St. Gaspar
The apostles, indeed, at first generously welcomed and with fullness of heart followed the Savior. But later they became timid and weak to such a degree that they deserted him during the Passion: "Then all the disciples deserted him and ran away."[1] "So, it sometimes happens that a person dedicates himself freely to God, but in the course of time that havoc does not the infernal enemy effect, and that at the expense of conscience? How often does not your wan of fervor open the way to disillusionment, gloom, melancholy and even regret of the step you have taken? This is a source of delight for the enemy. But woe to you if prompt resistance is not offered to his diabolical suggestions! How did the Lord deal with his apostles? He assembled them in the holy Cenacle under the august patronage of his own Mother. Then he called them to recollection, silence and prayer that they thereby implore a renewal of spirit and religious generosity: "The apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord with great power . . . "[2] So, too, God works in us during the days of retreat in order to be able to anticipate and forestall every attack of the devil. My [friends], God has called you to this figurative Cenacle, this retreat. He wishes to communicate his spirit to you in a particular way. He wants to strengthen your hearts, fortify you with virtue and lead you to holiness, so that you may leave this retreat spiritually refreshed and with the enthusiasm of youth to be able to fight the enemy of your soul with greater strength and courage. When you have subdued your foes from within, may you become apostles of God's glory.[3]
Reflection
Why is this night different from all other nights? On other Saturdays we have a 5:30pm Mass, but on this night it is much later and lasts much longer. On other nights we have three readings; on this night we tell the whole story. On other nights we reach to the holy water stoops at the doors, but on this night everyone comes to the baptismal font. This is the day of preparation for the great vigil. On this night the pillar of fire will appear again in the desert of our lives and lead us anew to the promised land of Jesus life and truth.
This should not be like any other Saturday. The experience of the previous day's passion should lead us into a time of silence, prayer, and reflection. For those working for a church it seems to be a day of flowers and of cleaning, but the preparation is for the greatest liturgy of the church's year. St. Gaspar calls us in this silence to a renewal of faith. Many people around the world will enter the font tonight and become a new creature in Christ. For the rest of us it is a time to renew our vows. It will be an exceptional time of grace as a new born people enters the world armed with the light of faith.
-- How do I plan to spend the holiest night of the year?
-- Is there a particular grace I desire this night?
-- Where in my life am I looking for a renewal of Spirit and religious generosity?
[1] Mt 26:56
[2] Ac 4:33
[3] From the Third Circular Letter
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