Monday, July 7, 2025

Darkness Over the Land


It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, ‘Certainly this man was innocent.’ And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment. Luke 23:44-56

In the daily office readings for today, our Gospel tells of the death of Jesus. The sky darkened, the temple curtain was torn in two, and many who witnessed the drama knew the world had changed in their seeing. Like us, they did not know how life would be different, but they just knew it would be. In the midst of the stunned disbelief and panic, Joseph comes and helped the disciples, family, friends and disciples, take care of his body and begin to grieve. We all need folks who can help our stunned confusion when the world darkens and changes around us. Joseph played a small part, it would seem, but changed the world in his doing. He set the stage for a decent burial place, a quiet garden that would be the scene of the resurrection. May we be those, when the day darkens for others, who can help folks in their pain and confusion.

Gracious Creator, source of help in troubled times
you brought Joseph to help the grieving disciples
you sent angels to sing to the frightened shepherds
and you send us help in our hour of greatest need.

Too often, we want to be the star of the show
when you have called us to be helping hands
too often, we are jealous of others and angry
failing to see their deep pain and grave needs.

Help us Lord, to live our daily lives like Joseph
willing to help the hurting and those in darkness
let us be those who see the need and lovingly respond
so we might all see and share the glorious gifts of new life. Amen.

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