Today is the in-between time. For the followers of Jesus, it was not such a time, but we have the advantage of knowing the outcome of the story. In-between times, however, are not always just times of anticipation of the dawn; they are often times of waiting without knowing what comes next. Our lives are really in-between times.
In-between times are paradoxical. We want to live in anticipation, usually of something good, but we also find ourselves living in anticipation, concerned that the outcome will not be so good. We tell ourselves that things will, must get better, when at times they do not. In some sense we are like Jesus in the old belief that he liberated souls from hell.
There are times in our lives when we feel we have descended, if not into hell, then from an underworld of shadows hold sway over us, and it is simply not enough to anticipate the time when our uncertainty will end. During these time we feel we cannot hold on, and even the knowledge of the approaching Easter morning is not enough for us. As difficult as it can be, we must hold on in hope for the dawn. It will come.
Prayer for the Day
Your wall of hope surrounds us in our despair, O Lord,
Moving us from our unbelief to faith;
Your citadel of love calls us from our despondency,
Freeing us from our despair and showing us your way.
Your arms welcome us and embrace us
Holding us in your everlasting love
In the name of the One who shows us the way,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Of all the hardships a person had to face, none was more punishing than the simple act of waiting.”
- Khaled Hosseini, from A Thousand Splendid Suns
Everything in life has something to teach us – if we only allow ourselves to look at it deeply enough.
- Joan Chittister, OSB, from The Monastic Way
Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
Psalm 16: 1, 5-6