Voices ever ancient, ever new. Easter Triduum 2014: Holy Saturday morning

“Therefore, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9)

Saint John Chrysostom comments on this verse from today’s Liturgy of the Hours, Office of Readings:

“He says that there are “three” rests: one, that of the sabbath, in which God rested from works; the second, that of Palestine, in which, when the Jews had entered, they would be at rest from their hardships and labors; the third, that which is rest indeed, the kingdom of heaven, where those who obtain it do indeed rest from their labors and troubles. Of these three then he makes mention here. And why did he mention the three, when he is speaking only of the one? That he might show that the prophet is speaking concerning this one. For he did not speak, he says, concerning the first. For how could he, when that had taken place long before? Nor yet again concerning the second, that in Palestine. For how could he? For he says, “They shall not enter into my rest.” It remains, therefore, that it is this third.” (On the Epistle to the Hebrews, 6)





All-powerful and ever-living God,
Your only Son went down among the dead
and rose again in glory.
In Your goodness
raise up your faithful people,
buried with him in baptism,
to be one with Him
in the everlasting life of heaven,
where He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.





Glory to You Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning is now
and will be forever. Amen!