Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Holy SATURDAY, April 4th, 2026

Delivered by Celine from the Parish of Santo Marinus Yohanes in the Diocese of Surabaya, Indonesia. Genesis 1: 1 - 2: 2; Rs psalm 104: 1-2a.5-6.10.12.13-14.24.35c; Romans 6: 3-11; Matthew 28: 1-10.LIGHT OVERCOMES DARKNESS The theme for our meditation on this Holy Saturday is:Light Overcomes Darkness. We have just passed the Good Friday with its experienceof loss, mourning and sadness occupying our deepest hearts. This situationmakes us feel like being abandoned and hopeless. Jesus Christ our Lord alreadydied and was buried. But today the Church tells us that there is hope and help.Jesus is our light and He is our faithful helper. Today from morning until lateafternoon, the quiet and calm moments accompany us to leave behind feelings andthoughts about mourning and loss, then we are led to a joyful light brought bythe risen Christ. One illustration can help us pondering this silentSaturday. If we enter a dark room or a house, we obviously can not seeanything. It is very difficult to find a space to step on. Like blind person,we can only "feel" our situation and existence where we are at themoment. We must be very careful with each step because otherwise we slip andfall, especially because we are not so familiar with the place or location weare. Such is the situation of life in the world where we live if without Jesusour Lord. There are many temptations in darkness. We can just step and fallinto temptations. But in God and His mercy we find light for our stepsand walks. This light is Jesus, and He dwells in us, in our families, oursociety and our Church. One light alone is very important and we do have it.While our surroundings are dark, we have and hold that light. We need to remainstrong in faith and continue to bring that light without having carried away orbothered by the darkness which might be increasing every time. So even thoughthere is only one and small light, the surroundings are threatened by it. Onelight that shines will surely make that darkness not anymore perfect. Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoeverfollows me will not fall into darkness." The light of Jesus is notsomething physical or material like a candle or fire. That light is a spiritualguidance and a path to be stepped on in our journey to the Father. So, byfollowing that light, we are so guided and directed because Jesus Himself isour true light. By this light, we will know how to worship our Father inheaven, we will know how we relate to our neighbors and we will know how to bestrong in defending faith and doing the will of the Father. Meditating on the light of Christ that overcomes thepower of darkness really leads us to the celebration of the Easter Vigil, whichwe will soon celebrate with great solemnity. With all the preparations and ourspirit keep burning to meet the risen Christ, we truly welcome the Easter Vigiltonight, with great joy. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... Almighty God, protect us always who walk onyour path and do Your will under the guidance of Your marvelous light. Glory tothe Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father...