Saturday, April 11, 2020 –
What did Christ DO on Holy Saturday?
Today is a quiet day for most of us. It is that seemingly odd 24-ish hours between the Crucifixion and the Easter Vigil. I really wish there were more homilies on what happened Holy Saturday. It’s actually quite cool.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks of Christ’s descent into hell from 631-637. Here is the summary:
636 By the expression “He descended into hell”, the Apostles’ Creed confesses that Jesus did really die and through his death for us conquered death and the devil “who has the power of death” (Heb 2:14).
637 In his human soul united to his divine person, the dead Christ went down to the realm of the dead. He opened heaven’s gates for the just who had gone before him.
However, probably my favorite explanation of the Harrowing of Hell comes from one of my students many years ago. Keep in mind I taught 3rd grade. When I asked the class if anyone knew what Christ did on Holy Saturday, a very eager young lady shot her hand in the air. Calling on her, she got up and proceeded thusly:
So…um…after Christ died and was buried, he got up, went down into hell and kicked open the gates. (insert actual karate kick and a few air chops). Hi-yah! Ka-Pow! Then He said, “C’mon y’all! I’m busting you righteous dudes outta here!”
Oh! From the mouths of babes! It was a proud teacher moment.
As I’ve said before, I think the Harrowing of Hell would make an awesome stained-glass window. Perhaps something akin to Augustin Hirschvogel’s etching. Sigh…maybe someday.
All you Holy Men and Women, pray for us!
