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Scripture Reflection Holy Saturday - April 8 2023
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Saturday, April 8, 2023April 8, 2023
Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040823.cfm
https://bible.usccb.org/podcasts/audio/daily-mass-reading-podcast-april-8-2023
Genesis 1:1-2:2 or Genesis 1:1, 26-31A
Psalms 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35 or Psalms 33:4-5, 6-7, 12-13, 20, 22
Genesis 22:1-18 or Genesis 22:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15-18
Psalms 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
Exodus 14:15-15:1
Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4. 5-6, 17-18
Isaiah 54:5-14
Psalms 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13
Isaiah 55:1-11
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6
Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4
Psalms 19:8, 9,10, 11
Ezekiel 36:16-17A, 18-28
Psalms 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4 or Isaiah 12:2-3, 4BCD, 5-6 or Psalms 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
Romans 6:3-11
Psalms 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Matthew 28:1-10
Tonight, we reflect on the high points of salvation history – our history – God’s love story for us. It is hard to be patient for the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, but so important to remember the whole story. Regardless of what our own personal journey has been, it is easy for us to become consumed by our daily lives - focusing on what is before us, not what is beyond us. The experience of abuse and trauma is so profound that it can be a challenge to focus on anything beyond. Traumatic memories are often overwhelming, and the experience of trauma changes the lens through which we view all that is before us. Jesus has a love story for each-and-every one of us and it is bigger than the struggles of today or the worst thing that has ever happened to us. Our story begins with our creation in the image and likeness of God. Each one of us is “unique, special, gifted and graced… a never to be repeated wonder in all of God’s creation.” Our story culminates with Jesus’ total gift of himself for us. Though unwelcome characters may enter our story and we may encounter unexpected, even horrifying, turns in the plot, nothing that has ever happened to us or ever will happen to us can change the theme – that of our inherent dignity and Jesus’ infinite love for us.
Jesus, as we reflect on your love story for the entire human race, help us remember your personal love story for us. When we are challenged with adverse experiences help us keep the perspective that there is so much more to our story. Let us be always mindful of our dignity as sacred human persons and of your infinite love for us. Amen.
Elizabeth A. Heidt Kozisek – Diocese of Grand Island
Sue Stubbs – Archdiocese of Atlanta
Not to be reprinted without written permission.