Saturday, April 7, 2012

Black Saturday

Holy Week is arguably the most important week in the Christian calendar. It marks the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. However, I learned something about Holy Week when I lived in the Philippines that I have never forgotten: Black Saturday.

The Saturday between Easter and Good Friday is sometimes called Black Saturday. It is "Black" because it is the day between when Jesus died and rose again, or the day that Jesus was dead.


In the Philippines, the Catholics are severely terrified on Black Saturday. They believe that since Jesus was dead on that Saturday 2000 years ago, He repeats this death every Black Saturday. Since they believe Jesus is dead, they also believe that He cannot save you on Black Saturday. So people avoid all risky activities, because they believed that if they experienced an accidental death that day, they would experience damnation because Jesus' saving power was unavailable.

In other Catholic countries, I have heard that Black Saturday is wildly celebrated, because they believe that Jesus can't catch them in their sin--this sounds like a much more fun way to celebrate Black Saturday! Unfortunately, I am quite ignorant on Catholic traditions, so I don't know how Black Saturday is officially recognized, if it even is. I do know, however, that this Filipino tradition isn't an official Catholic practice.

Easter Weekend Reflection

As you reflect on Christ and His sacrifice this weekend, I'd like for you to think and pray on these things:

1. Jesus' Sacrifice Always Saves. If you think you've committed some unpardonable sin, you're wrong. If you think that there's a day on the calendar when you cannot be saved, you're wrong. "Jesus Saves" might sound like a hokey bumper sticker saying, but it is completely true.

If you are a follower of Christ, thank Him for the salvation He has given you. Also, pray for friends and family members who still need this saving sacrifice. If you do not follow Christ, please know that His arms are open and His hands are reaching out--He is desperately offering you His grace, all you need to do is accept it.

2. Jesus Sees Your Sin. Whether you've told a little white lie or you've committed murder, the Bible is very clear what death is and that the consequence of sin is eternal death.

If you are a follower of Christ, take a moment to ask for forgiveness for your sins and reflect on ways that you can keep from returning to those mistakes. If you are not a follower of Christ, God's forgiveness is free and simple--you only need to ask forgiveness and figure out how you can keep from repeating your mistakes (the churchy word for that is "Repentance").