Through Stained Glass: A Mid-Week Reflection-Wait for It...

There’s not much to say today.

Though we know what is coming, they didn’t.

Though we know after the egg hunts are over and bellies are filled with grandma’s delicious breakfast, good news will be announced to the women, they didn’t.

All they knew was that their friend,

Their teacher,

Their brother,

Mary’s son,

Was crucified.

For the first time in months or years, they didn’t Jesus wasn’t with them.

So, they found themselves in a place where we find ourselves the most:

The in-between.

Where we wait and wonder and worry about what happens next.

Yes, we know death.

            Death of loved ones.

                        Death of dreams.

                                    Death of the world around us.

But we very much so know the gift of resurrection’ life.

            Life of a new child, grandchild, or godchild.

                        Life in the rejuvenating creation springing up around us.

                                    Life in the relationships of those we love, or when plans come together.

But most of the time, our days, like Fr. James Martin notes, aren’t filled with the unbearable pain of a Good Friday. Nor are they suffused with the incredible joy of an Easter. But most days are filled with waiting.

And waiting takes on many forms, right?

“The wait of despair, the wait of dull passivity.”

Then there is the wait they did, and we do: Hope.

Which is why my favorite part of the Triduum, or, the Paschal Mystery, is Holy Saturday. It is the most relatable, it’s the most tangible. It is the day which is most real—amidst the darkness and uncertainty, the transition of the world and in our personal lives, God is doing something. What exactly? Most days I don’t know.

What I do know is that throughout the story of salvation, when it looks like death, or pharaoh, or the flood, or the exile, will have the last say –

God

Does

Something

Unpredictable

And

Life-giving.

Today is Saturday, the first day the disciples were alone when it seemed as if this kingdom of God thing had been silenced. For us, we are on the verge of one leaving one month and entering into a new one. Oh, and it is a full moon. Today is a strange day for us, too.

Like them, we are left waiting and hoping, looking for the signs of new life appearing right around the corner.  Like them, we look around and think, "Where in the world is God in all of this pain, sadness, and violence?" Like them, we too wait for something new to happen.

Which is why we wait and listen, watch and pray. Instead, because God is the God of life, we trust the process, embracing the change happening, believing renewal is always waiting, and hope is never dead.

We wait. Tell the story of salvation. And remember how Jesus said, "I'll be with you always."

What else do we need to say?