The Revelations of Time

Where were you when?

This is always a popular question when it comes to moments in history or marking an important time in one's life where the journey seems to wind, taking on a life of its own or the valley opens up before you blossoming into new beginnings.

Last week 4pm became the crucial time on campus: Monday afternoon several of us came streaming out of our classes, racing down to the mailboxes at the speed of light as myself and the rest of the Junior class found out where we would be going for Ministry in Context sites for the Fall of 2011. As the warmness of Spring washed over us, we celebrated, scratched our heads, shared and congratulated one another in the middle of the courtyard. For us, the road beckons as we are able to immerse ourselves weekly in our craft, in our theology and have that trial by fire being amongst an assembly putting ministry to practical use.

Thursday, our Middler friends gathered at 3:30pm and we in solidarity with them in the Chapel as we reflected and allowed the Holy Spirit to envelop us singing "We are Marching in the Light of God", with a beautiful celebration as they received their internship assignments. Laughter filled the chapel and the hallways as they shared with one another and us the excitement of moving across the country or across the waters. For them, the journey continues as arms wide open calling them to what our Creator has blessed their steps and travels; for us they go before and serve as our models how faith and perseverance explodes into being.

" ... and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

How the cross now looms over the grayness of this Good Friday morning, and with our eyes closed and soul receiving the words spoken from wherever we will worship this day, with teary eyes we are reminded of the saddness, imagining ourselves at the foot of the cross and wondering, angry and perhaps our faith crumbling just a little.

Darkness and weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

God's Peace.