Matthew 20:17-28: Prediction
Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 7, 2019
A re-post from Holy Week 2012 . . .
Thursday and Friday evenings as I stepped off the church walkway and into the darkness I realized that the night sky was not as dark as usual. The large Paschal Moon hovered over the campus, challenging the brightness of the large, artificial, man-made lamp stands. Having stayed later than most worshipers to spend a bit of extra time reflecting, I was nearly alone on the campus . . . and I said a small, quiet prayer to the Creator for all the gifts I so easily use that he has so lovingly given. It was a sacred moment which I wanted to hold, much as the apostles wanted to hold the beauty and fullness of The Transfiguration. We who live in a place where food and peace are aplenty have much to be grateful for. We who are called to labor in the vineyard of the one who knows us intimately have much to be faithful to. We who are so well-loved and guided in the Spirit have much to be hopeful in. God’s justice, Jesus’ compassion and the Spirit’s fidelity can be counted on . . . always . . . this we can predict. Just as Jesus’ predicted his own passion, so too can we predict our own struggle with loved ones, colleagues and strangers . . . and our own struggle to follow Christ.
The full Easter moon rides high across the skies during this extraordinary season of forgiveness. Its cool light breaks through the darkness, telling us of the daytime sun that bathes the opposing side of the globe. The tin-tinted orb reminds us that even when we do not feel the warmth and brilliance of Jesus he is with us anyway.
The Paschal Moon rises just as expected, just as predicted. God guides and protects us, just as expected, just as predicted. Jesus sacrifices self and rescues us, just as expected, just as predicted. The Holy Spirit abides with us and graces us, just as expected, just as predicted. Discipleship will be difficult and arduous . . . just as expected, just as predicted. The reward for fidelity will be greater than we have ever imagined . . . just as expected . . . just as predicted. All of this we can foretell with certainty. The events of our lives, the time and manner of our dying, the size of our income, and the number of our days we cannot. So tonight, if the sky is clear, step outside your door for just a moment to search the heavens for the Paschal Moon and remember all that has been predicted. And in the hush and quiet of that moment let us recall all that we have requested and all that we have been given. And let us pray:
Jesus dies, Jesus rises. We are saved. We are loved. And all . . . just as expected . . . just as predicted. Amen.
For an inspirational reflection on Salome and her sons, click on the image of the Zebedee family above or go to: http://teamnoah.info/Stirred/ms.html
To learn more about how the date for Easter is chosen, click on the image above or go to: http://news.yahoo.com/moon-affects-date-easter-131202555.html
For the names of the full moons and what these names mean, go to: http://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names/
Images from: http://news.yahoo.com/moon-affects-date-easter-131202555.html and http://teamnoah.info/Stirred/ms.html
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