Clouds of Heaven

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, ‘We heard him say, “I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.” ’ But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, ‘Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?’ But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’ Jesus said, ‘I am; and “you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power”, and “coming with the clouds of heaven.” ’ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?’ All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, ‘Prophesy!’ The guards also took him over and beat him. Mark 14:53-65

There is something wonderous about the light and the clouds this time of year. The light is beginning to weaken in our hemisphere as the world turns into autumn, and the clouds reflect the changing light. Jesus was being tested by the high priest who was so frustrated and angry, that he could tale nothing in. His idea of God's love and creation were so different than Jesus'. He believed in an ordered, non-changing world with a political and religious hierarchy in place that would never change. Jesus ushered change and a turning from human power and authority to God's love being the true power. As our seasons and lives change, may we always look up so we might see the power of God's love.

Gracious Creator, you turn our small globe

so that we might see your love in all seasons

so we might know the true power hidden in clouds

and on the faces of strangers and friends alike.

We want life to stay as we remember it should be

as the political and religious leaders go to war

they fight for control and mastery and righteousness

all the things that you bestow freely through your love.

Help us to look up and to you again in all season

may the changes before us invite us to rely on you

putting our trust in your power and your healing love

so that the world might know your presence and peace. Amen.