March 30th
Holy Saturday 
Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471), Confessor; Kempen, Germany

"Strive so to live and through the spirit to mortify your flesh, that when your body turns into dust your soul will be judged worthy to rest in blessed peace.  If you live your life in labor and sorrow on a Good Friday, you will have a restful Holy Saturday and then a most joyful Easter Sunday, the day of the resurrection of the just.

"The more austerely you live in the world, so much more tranquil will be your repose in the grave.  The more firmly you cling to the Cross, so much more assurance you have of reaching Christ.  The more bitterly you deplore your sins, so much less will remain to be purged by the avenging flames.  So lament during this time of grace, when the doors of mercy are open, and when God, in Whom there is abundant redemption, accepts your repentance.  Mourn also the wretched condition of the world and the incredible indifference of men.  Only a few are found today to be true followers of the Crucified, and many permit their original spiritual fervor to grow cold.

"Let meditating on Jesus Christ and Him crucified be your daily prayer.  Keep Jesus always before your eyes and keep ever near the foot of His Cross.  Whether in life or in death, enter the tomb with Jesus so that when Christ, Who is your life, shall appear again, you will rise with Him in glory."