Reading and meditation on the Word of God on the Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025

Delivered by Gladys from the Parish of Saint Gabriel in the Diocese of Bandung, West Jawa, Indonesia. Genesis 1: 1 - 2: 2; Rs psalm 104: 1-2a.5-6.10.12.13-14.24.35c; Romans 6: 3-11; Luke 24: 1-12LIGHT CONQUERS DARKNESS The title for our meditation on this Holy Saturday is:Light Conquers Darkness. We have just passed the  Good Friday. The atmosphere of loss, mourningand sadness is still felt. This atmosphere makes us feel abandoned andlanguish. Today the Church proclaims to us that there is hope and help. Jesusis the light for us and He is our faithful helper. Today from morning to lateafternoon, a quiet and calm atmosphere accompanies us to leave behind feelingsand thoughts of loss, then to go to an uplifting light. One illustration would be the following. If we enter adark house or room, we will definitely not be able to see anything. It is verydifficult to find a way to walk. Like blind person, we can only"feel" the atmosphere and our existence. We must be very careful withevery step because otherwise we slip and fall, especially because we are notvery familiar with the place or location we are. Such is the situation of lifein the world that we live without Jesus. In the darkness there are temptationsthat are very dangerous. We can step up and fall into temptation.  But for God and for us who live in His mercy theremust be light. That light is Jesus, and He is in our conscience. Even it’s onlyone light, it’s already very important and we ourselves have that light. Whilethe surrounding environment is dark, we keep that light on. We need to remainstrong in faith and continue to shine without having to be carried away bydarkness that may be far greater. So even though it's just one light and small,the people and the world around it are so dependent on it. Only one light thatshines, it surely makes that darkness to be an imperfect darkness.  Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoeverfollows Me will not fall into darkness." The light of Jesus is notsomething physical or external like the light of a candle or fire. That lightis actually spiritual guidance and a path to the Father. So by following thatlight, we have a guide who guides our lives as best as possible. We will knowhow to worship our Father in heaven, we will know how we talk to our neighborsand we will know how to be strong in defending and doing what is good andright.  Our reflection on the light of Christ that overcomesthe power of darkness leads us to the celebration of Easter Vigil that we willsoon celebrate with great joy. With inner preparation and enthusiasm throughthis contemplation, we truly welcome the Easter Vigil with fulness of joy. Let us pray. In the name of the Father... Almighty God,protect us always in Your wonderful light. Glory to the Father and to the Sonand to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father...