Hey there,
Here we are in Holy Week … the most important week of the year.
And in 4 days our Lord will rise!
This poem presents a unique viewpoint of Christ’s resurrection. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Death Meets His Master
Father Time met pale King Death sitting by a tomb.
“Hello, O Friend, I guess you’re here to seal somebody’s doom.”
“You might say that,” sly Death replied, a smile lit up his face.
“Herein lies that Jesus man who said He’d save the race.
“And you, O Time, why did you stop? Don’t you have other things to do?”
“Well,” said Time, “I just come each day to draw the vale and let the morning through.
But you, O Death, why do you watch just one grave with all your vast domain?
Seems like you’d be out ramblin’ around an smitin’ folks with pain!”
“Well,” sneered Death, “This one’s special—Jesus challenged me they say.
He claimed He would lie here just three days then stand and walk away.
Now I’m the conqueror you know; they don’t talk down to me.
When I come in to knock ‘em down, it’s for eternity.”
“I can sure testify to that,” responded Father Time.
“I haven’t seen one escape your grasp since you’ve been in your prime.
But I have other things to do so I must be on my way.
I’ll see you when I come back again to start another day.”
So stately Time went up the hill to bid the sun to rise,
And left Death standing by the tomb looking strong and wise.
The next day Time passed by again, “And how are things” he queried.
“Rather quiet,” Death replied, “I’m beginning to get weary.
I won’t be here when you come by again about this time tomorrow.
Since Jesus can’t do what He claimed, I’ll go spread some grief and sorrow.”
The next day Father Time was quite surprised when he came back to see
Old Death a quivering on the ground in frightful agony.
His eyes were set, his throat was marked, his clothes in disarray.
It wasn’t difficult to see that Death had had his day.
“What happened, Death?” asked Father Time. “What makes you look so bad?
I’ve never seen you shake this way or look so scared and sad.”
Death pulled himself upon a rock, looking sick and humble.
He hung his head and wrung his hands, and Time could hear him mumble.
“I was sitting there on that tomb before the dawn, and I was about to take my leave.
When all at once an angel grabbed that stone and gave a mighty heave.
That massive stone jumped off the door and skipped on down the hill.
Then everything grew dark and quiet, as if the earth stood still.
Then I saw Jesus—He was standing at the entrance, and He didn’t move or speak.
He just looked at me and all at once I felt so tired and weak.
He came and got a hold of me and threw me to the ground.
He put His foot here on my neck, and He took my keys and crown.
Jesus said, ‘The plan’s all finished now; redemption’s work is done.’
And two angels came and talked to Him; they glistened like the sun.
And as they passed the garden gate, I heard Him say to them.
‘I now have set the captives free and given gifts to men.’”
Time and Death met once again over there by Saint Peter’s gate.
“And how are you?” asked Father Time. “I’ve been wondering about your fate.”
Old Death was quiet for a moment and didn’t say a word.
But when he finally spoke to Time, he was gentle as a bird.
“I’m just a lowly servant now,” said Death, “there’s very little time to roam.
I just push open this big gate and help the saints go home.”
By Elwood McQuaid
This week’s Genuflect celebrates the resurrection of our Lord. Why it lasts more than one day, some facts about the events, and special prayers for Holy Week.
Have a Blessed Easter … He is Risen!
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
genuflect: support
Wear Your Faith For All to See
Introduing the Genuflect Store, offering tshirts, hoodies, mugs, and more. It’s a great way to evangelize your faith while supporting the mission of Genuflect.
genuflect: resources
The Easter Season
Easter is not a day but a season of 50 days: the octave which is eight days of high celebration beginning on Easter Sunday followed by 42 more days of rejoicing concluding on Pentecost. Here are some ideas for a fitting and fruitful celebration of the joy of Eastertide.
Celebrating Easter – The Octave And The Season | Crossroads Initiative
Three Days Explained
The Gospels tell us that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, or after three days. So how is it possible he died on Friday and rose on Sunday? The answer lies in understanding the meaning of days … back in the day.
When Did Jesus Rise From The Dead? | Aleteia
Origins of The Name Easter
Some refer to it as Resurrection Day. Most of us call it Easter. It originated from a Greek term. Here’s what it means.
Easter or Resurrection Day? | Simply Catholic
28,430 Drops of Blood
That’s how many drops of blood Jesus lost during his Passion. At least that’s what He revealed to 3 Saints who prayed for a revelation from Christ. And here are the 5 promises to those who honor Jesus’ drops of blood.
How Much Blood Did Christ Lose During His Passion? Exact Amount Revealed to These 3 Saints | ChurchPOP
The Good Friday Prayer
I don’t know where this prayer originated. But I’ve added it to my Good Friday traditions since I learned of it in 2019. Perhaps you might too.
The Good Friday Prayer | Genuflect
See The Shroud
One of the most studied relics from Jesus’ crucifixion is the Shroud of Turin, believed to be His burial cloth. Scientific photographer Vernon Miller digitized the photos he took as part of the Shroud of Turin Research Project and they are available to see on a website. Check it out.
New Website Offers Close Up Views of Shroud of Turin | Aleteia
Warrior For God
Hollywood and Catholicism do not go together. But actor Jim Caviezel is not afraid to combine his lifelong devotion to Catholicism with his acting career. This speech is from 2018, but it’s just as relevant today. Watch his impassioned speech on our call to become a warrior for God.
Jim Caviezel: Take up Your Cross and Become a Warrior for God | Genuflect
Triduum
Last year Genuflect covered Holy Week and the Triduum. Check this out if you’d like a refresher for these next important days leading to Easter Sunday.
Joining Christ in His Passion | Genuflect
Going Deeper Into Easter
In 2021 Genuflect shined a brighter light on the traditions of Holy Week and how to get more out of it, the various characters involved with Christ’s passion, the meaning of the word Hosanna, the true value of 3pm, and more.
Looking Deeper Into The Light This Easter | Genuflect
Continuing The Easter Joy
Last year Genuflect covered what Eastertide is, why we celebrate for 50 days, and more importantly, how we can continue the Easter joy in our hearts until Pentecost.
Continuing The Easter Joy | Genuflect
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Realizing All The Significance of Holy Thursday | Genuflect
Fixing Your Gaze on The Cross on Good Friday | Genuflect
Observing Holy Saturday | Genuflect
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