Read Mark 15:42-47
“Palms & Passion”
Julie Gibson
This Holy Saturday is the time between time, and it seems that all creation must be holding its breath. On this seventh day—the day on which God rested from creating—Christ rests in the tomb. When God had finished all creation, God looked at all that had been created, and proclaimed “It is good,” and then God rested. When Christ had competed his work on earth, he proclaimed “It is finished” – and it is good. And on that day between days, his was the ultimate Sabbath rest.
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We have once again taken this journey in the life of Christ. We have traced his steps to the cross, and tried once more to apply what we have learned to our own lives. Next year, we will be marked with a cross made of ashes, and follow Christ’s journey again, and then again, and then again again. We will continue to read about Jesus Christ’s life and death; we will read about his teachings and his passion; we will come around again to this day of rest. But it will always bring something new.
For on the eighth day, God’s relationship with humankind began its passionate love affair. And on the eighth day Jesus Christ sprang up to revel in that newly freed relationship, constantly pursuing and perfecting us; and we are invited to take part in this living relationship.
“…let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1b-2 (NRSV)
In the Easter joy that is to come, open yourself to God’s wooing; let God’s passionate pursuit overtake you, and let this be a season marked with the cross, not on your forehead, but on your heart.
Amen.
