Holy Saturday - The Cocoon Effect - Waiting In The Wings

The Cocoon Effect

Don’t rush through or dismiss Holy Saturday too soon. You just might miss the power of the cocoon.    Rev Sheila P Spencer

Holy Saturday continues to open me up to new discoveries each year. It is the day between the anguish of the crucifixion and the joy of the resurrection.  If this was a flight, Holy Saturday would be the layover between the departing and the arrival flight.

It is easy to rush through and dismiss Holy Saturday too soon.

But you just might just miss the power of the cocoon

We want to rush to resurrection and the new life of the butterfly.  But even nature tells us we can’t rush to the butterfly too soon.  The world knows that there is no butterfly without the cocoon.

We talk about the butterfly effect. This is when a small action, like a butterfly flapping its wings, can eventually lead to big changes in the world, like causing a storm far away. So, even small things can make a really big difference later on.  

But there is no butterfly effect

Without the cocoon effect

1. Metamorphosis: The most significant transformation that occurs during the cocoon stage. Inside the cocoon, the caterpillar undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis, breaking down its old body and rebuilding itself into a completely new form - the butterfly. This process symbolizes growth, change, and the beauty that can emerge from periods of stillness and introspection.

2. Formation of Wings: During metamorphosis, one of the most crucial developments is the formation of its wings. These delicate structures begin to take shape during this stage, preparing the butterfly for its eventual emergence into the world. This stage highlights the importance of patience and preparation, as growth and development often occur unseen beneath the surface.

3. Rest and Renewal: While the caterpillar is inside the cocoon, it is in a state of rest and renewal. This period of stillness allows for internal healing and strengthening, essential for the butterfly’s eventual emergence and flight. Similarly, Holy Saturday can be seen as a time for rest and reflection, a moment to pause and rejuvenate before embracing the new beginnings that Resurrection brings.

Experiencing a  personal season of rest and reset deepens my appreciation for the cocoon effect and process.  There is growth, change and beauty that happens beneath the surface. It is necessary;  The premature dismissal of a cocoon would damage the butterfly if it came out too soon. 

The cocoon effect reminds us of the power of metamorphosis. that Beauty and change emerge from stillness.   It reminds us that just because something is hidden, doesn’t make it less important. Growth can occur beneath the surface.  It is easy to rush through and dismiss Holy Saturday too soon. You might just miss the power of the cocoon.

Wait …. It’s holy.  It reminds us that life is punctuated with  Holy Saturdays and moments of divine waiting.  In the rush for the beauty of the butterfly, don’t dismiss or disregard the lesson of the cocoon.

It’s the cocoon effect ,,,

Don’t rush through Holy Saturday or dismiss it too soon,

If you wait , you will experience the effect of the cocoon

Rev Sheila P Spencer