EASTER Saturday - located between the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
For those who have been involved in Holy Week services, it's a moment to reflect on events two millennia ago in Jerusalem.
Having entered fully into the narrative of the nails being driven mercilessly into his innocent body, I can't begin to imagine what it would have been like had the story ended there.
I certainly catch a glimpse of the grief and desolation of Jesus' family and friends.
In a few short hours that will all change dramatically as Mary Magdalene makes her way to the tomb and finds the stone unexpectedly moved away.
Now the situation is totally transformed as disciples experience the risen Christ for themselves. Death has been defeated and good has triumphed over evil.
As we look around at so much that is wrong in society, I wonder to what extent we have chosen to live in the gloom of Easter Saturday rather than the glorious hope of Easter Sunday, when Jesus makes available his resurrection power to all who believe and trust in him.
Rt Rev Dr Charles McMullen
Moderator, Presbyterian Church in Ireland
