April 19, 2025

 

Good Evening Allen Temple Family and Friends,

 

Historians and scholars have done their best to curate the events of Holy Week by day. We know a good deal about what happened of specific days like Palm Sunday and Good Friday. But we know very little about what happened on Saturday. The text does not speak to it hence the day has been referred to as "Silent Saturday". Although we know relatively little about this day, we know its silence was significant. Not just for the disciples awaiting the end of the sabbath but silence is also significant for us.

We need Silent Saturday! It teaches us to trust God, even when we struggle to understand God. Silent Saturday also reminds us that it's natural to grieve, have doubts and question what has taken place around us.

 

In a world that insists on instant gratification and response, Silent Saturday is an invitation to be still. Sit in the silence and wrestle with the reality and discomfort of the crucifixion in the life of Jesus and in ours. It is an opportunity to be obedient to the charge, pause from all the preparation for the day and simply "Be still and know that I am God." Howard Thurman reminds us that often it's "In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart" and "We do not know each other yet; we have not dared to be silent together" (Psalm 62:5).

 

Rest Assured Sunday Comes! But today, if not all the earth - let us take some time and be SILENT!

 

Blessings to you!

 

Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson

Senior Pastor