Holy Week: Saturday
Holy Week is about recognizing the uncommon in the midst of our regular lives. As we get closer to Easter Sunday, let us make this week one where we allow the story of God to bleed into our experiences. There is nothing more regular than eating. So we encourage you to do the daily devotionals during a meal time where the food that you eat can compliment the theme of each day of Holy Week.
Jesus’ life revolved around hospitality. He was often welcomed into people’s homes. In these special, holy moments, people shared space, life, and meals with Jesus the Lord. May we do the same, and allow the regular moments in our lives to be encounters with Jesus as we near Easter Sunday.
Saturday: “The Lord’s Rest”
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Devotional
Psalm 23 is one of the most popular poems of all time. It is likely that this Psalm was utilized on the day of rest: Sabbath. “Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no danger.” It is well known that Psalm 22 is quoted on Jesus’ lips on Good Friday. In retrospect, Psalm 22 seems to describe Jesus’ crucifixion remarkably. Is it possible that Psalm 23 describes Jesus’ experience on the Saturday in between his death and resurrection? There is no way of knowing for sure, but maybe part of Psalm 23’s profoundness is because it gives us a glimpse of Jesus in the midst of death and yet fearing nothing. This is truly a peace that makes no sense, but it is a peace that Jesus promises to give us.
On this day in between the occupied and unoccupied tomb, may God’s peace reign in our lives, in our neighborhoods, and in our world.
Catacomb of Callixtus - The Good Shepherd
Food: Something Simple
We know that the day before Easter can be either very busy or very chill depending on the family. Sometimes it is not even up to each person. We suggest, if possible, to have a simple meal today that doesn’t require a lot of work. We want to remember that the Sabbath is made for humanity and not the other way around, but we also want this Holy Sabbath to be a reminder of the rest we have because of Jesus. So, take time to approach God not as a taskmaster. Not as someone who demands you to do, do, do. Instead, approach God as the one who says “Be still and know that I am God.