There is an apocryphal book called the Gospel of Nicodemus that contains a story called ‘The Harrowing of Hades’. We do not hear much of this book within Catholic circles (at least in the Latin Rite). Although the story does serve as inspiration for a well known icon called ‘The Resurrection’ and the story is referenced in several hymns related to Holy Saturday.
In the story, Jesus descends into Hades upon His death on the Cross. This was not the hell of the damned, but more likely the bosom of Abraham we hear about in Luke, Chapter 16.
Jesus appeared in the form of a man and His glory lit up all the dark recesses of Hades.
Immediately Hades cried out: “We have been conquered: woe to us! But who are you, who has such power and might? and what are you, who comes here without sin who are seen to be small and yet of great power, lowly and exalted, the slave and the master, the soldier and the king, who has power over the dead and the living? You were nailed on the cross, and placed in the tomb; and now you are free, and have destroyed all our power.”
Our Blessed Lord embraced our forefather Adam, and raised him. Then, He said to all the rest of the just souls in the bosom of Abraham, “Come all with me, as many as have died through the tree which he touched: for, behold, I again raise you all up through the tree of the cross.”
Jesus raised them all. Adam was filled with joy and said, “I thank Your majesty, O Lord, that You have brought me up out of the lowest Hades.”
All the prophets and the saints echoed Adam in saying: “We thank You, O Christ, Saviour of the world, that You have brought our life up out of destruction.”
Jesus took Adam’s hand and set out for paradise, delivering all the just. Saint Michael and all the angels welcomed them.
I invite you to meditate on that image today. Picture yourself among those setting out toward paradise. Afterall, He will raise us up, to live in His presence. And, indeed, we already live in His presence through the Eucharist!
Thanks be to God!
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