Saturday Vigil

As children, we find waiting for something to be excruciating. Perhaps you remember waiting for Santa or your family gift exchange at Christmas. At this time of the year, those of us who were ourselves children or are parents of children will recall anticipating the Easter holiday. Whether our family engaged in coloring Easter eggs, hiding eggs for an egg hunt, or just waiting to find our Easter basket on Sunday morning, all of us have on occasion found it difficult to wait for something we are really looking forward to.

In an earlier post, I discussed the biblical character Job, his life trials and his ability to wait patiently for God's response without losing his faith. During this time of year, we may also find ourselves anticipating springtime weather, new leaves on trees and planting flowers and gardens. Farmers find themselves busy with preparations or actually tilling and planting the soil. Then, they wait and watch the growing season with its weather variations in hope of a bountiful harvest.

A commonly used phrase which I have heard over the years to describe someone who possesses patience as a virtue is to say that the person has "the patience of Job". Emulating Job for many of us is not an easy task. For example, in my own life, I find myself watching and waiting (while continuing to submit job applications) for a new opportunity in which to further develop my career and life experiences. Job faced similar frustrations especially during his time of trial but he refused to give up.

Beyond the bunnies, colorful eggs, shiny shoes and pressed new clothes, there is more to Easter for millions of people around the world. Early in the morning on that first Easter Sunday, a promise was fulfilled. Followers of Christ waited in excruciating pain for the Passover Sabbath to end so that they could attend to the body lain in the tomb. The words meant to ring joy in their ears were at the same time uplifting and confusing.

In those first few days, the meaning of the Easter event was made clear and quietly shared among the believing community. We who continue to believe in the grace of Easter know that our waiting and watching is not in vain. Hope is the promise and the gift of Easter [John 3:16]. Keep the vigil and prepare yourselves for tomorrow's celebration!

~ DB Turnmire

"Good" Friday

During my formative years, I remember hearing that "Good Friday" was the day when my farming forefathers would often plant their potatoes to ensure a successful crop. Regardless of the weather or whether the ground was still was frozen, wise farm men and women would be sure to plant their potatoes on Good Friday.

Of course, because Easter is a movable feast which falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal (spring) equinox. As a result of this method of determining Easter defined by the early church, the date on which Easter falls may be anytime from the last two Sundays of March to the third Sunday in April of a given year. Therefore Good Friday also may occur anytime from the last days of March to late in April.

This "Good Friday", I am reminded of that which makes this day "good" for those who believe that Christ was the Son of God and that His death has meaning for those who believe in Him. As part of a community which celebrates diversity, I realize that not everyone will acknowledge or comprehend the events which draw Christian believers to solemn reflection on this day.

Is "Good" Friday 2009 a good day for you?

~DB Turnmire