April 27, 2026
And so “the ultimate love story” of the Triduum continues… However, since the crucifixion we have experienced great pain and a wide array of emotions. We are left a little empty and wondering how love can triumph in the end.
As I sat in Good Friday service, I watched others venerate the cross and bring all their pain with them. I looked on knowing that their belief is strong that God will fulfill the love story for them (this humbled me beyond words into tears). Those waiting in line to kiss the cross gave me a deep insight to the same trust and love the disciples had for Jesus. The difference between us and the disciples is that we know how the story ends so we can rely on our belief in the fact the Lord DOES rise to fulfill all He had foretold. The disciples were a different story, they were not able to rely on history, they were alone and reeling to make decisions.
Moving into Holy Saturday, scared and alone the disciples waited and pondered what had just happen. I am sure their thoughts were “He was supposed to be the Messiah how could He let this happen?” or “We will be next if we proclaim his teachings…What do we do now?” It is at this moment, within the sorrow and sadness, the real bond of the community is revealed as “the church” is tested. They did not run from each other, rather they regrouped to console and stay vigilant. They are doing the first works on their own to be Christ’s example to show that “love triumphs over all” despite their confusion. This time was about support… they needed to love one another and be who Christ believed them to be.
This ultimate love story is starting to show how love will triumph, not because the Holy One has risen, but because they have all pulled together despite the fact that He has not yet. This is the definition of the love Christ was preparing them for…a love that will win in the end simply because they believe TOGETHER and not because they can physically see Him.
Easter morning finds two women coming to mourn being greeted by an Angel to tell them of the good news that the Lord has risen. Now they remember the words that Christ spoke; The metaphors became clear. They are treated to the joy of knowing that all they believed has been revealed. His rising to these disciples is their proof that “love triumphs over all”.
One question remains though… our Master is not in the tomb but where is He? In the upcoming scriptures of Easter, we learn He is with them the whole time, but they are too blind to see it at first. Aren’t we guilty of not recognizing Him each day as well? Do we not ask the same question when confused? “God, I know you are there but where have you gone?” Now that I know what I believe is true” I need you and want you NOW”. So, in the same way, we display that vacant feeling they must have had at the tomb. If we are fortunate enough to carry our faith proudly, I guarantee that when we ask “Where is God now” in the bad that happens, there will be a community that shows up for us to prove that He is right there. Remember, God doesn’t save us, He gives us opportunities to be saved.
Through the resurrection of Jesus, let the focus not only be on the fact that Jesus came back as the overall triumph. We must look beyond His rising and see that His purpose is realized because He created “church” that stuck together through the unknown with faith and love. Communities can only really thrive when we have a greater love for others than our own self proving that “love triumphs over all”.
“God doesn’t save us; He gives us opportunities to be saved.”
Posted by Greg Wasinski
