“Something strange is happening…”  (The Liturgy of the Hours; pg. 1987)

Something strange is happening, something very strange.
Such great silence and great stillness.  On earth something has changed.
The whole earth awaits in silence.  A breathless silence we all keep.
The earth which trembled is now still. God in the flesh has fallen asleep.

He has raised up those who slept, since the world began.
Hell is trembling with fear.  Dead in flesh is the Son of Man.
He has gone to our first parents, as a shepherd for lost sheep.
He has gone to visit those who in darkness are asleep.

He has gone to free from sorrow, those who were bereaved.
He has gone to free Adam.  And has gone to free Eve.
He approached them bearing the cross, by which victory was won.
Adam struck his breast in terror, at the sight of God’s Son.

My Lord be with you all. Adam cried out to those at hand.
Christ answered, And with your spirit. Then He took him by the hand.
He raised him up by saying: Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead.
Christ will give you life.  This is what He said.

By my authority I command all in bondage to forth come.
I am your God Who for your sake has become your Son.
All who are in darkness I command to be enlightened.
I command all who sleep arise, and no more be frightened

I order you, O sleeper, to now be awake.
To be a prisoner in hell is not why you I did create.
Rise up, you who are my work—the work of my hands.
You were created in my image.  Let us fulfill hopeful plans.

The marks upon my back show where I was scourged for thee.
By this, the burden of your sin was shifted from you to Me.
My hands nailed firmly to a tree, see these nail marks unhidden.
For you who stretched your hand in wickedness to eat from the tree forbidden.

I died upon the cross, a sharp lance pierced my side.
For you and your descendants I was crucified.
You were led by the enemy, away from Eden, your home.
To Eden you shall not return.  But you will now in heaven be enthroned.

 A cherubim-formed throne awaits.  So be no more forlorn.
With bearers swift and eager the bridal chamber is adorned.
The banquet is ready.  Eternal dwelling places are prepared,
The treasure house is opened.  No glory has been spared.
Rise now, let us leave this place.  Let us go forth with certainty,
To that Kingdom prepared for you, from all eternity. 

[Based on the The Liturgy of the Hours; Office of Readings, THE LORD DESCENDS INTO HELL (Holy Saturday—Ancient Homily on Holy Saturday; pages 1987-1989)]