The sun is slowly sinkin'
The day's almost gone
Still darkness falls around us
And we must journey on
The darkest hour is just before dawn
The narrow way leads home
Lay down your soul at Jesus' feet
The darkest hour is just before dawn
(Ralph Stanley)
It is common knowledge with spiritual directors that the sojourner must get through the darkness before discovering the light. The phrase, “the darkest hour is just before the dawn”, has long been a metaphor for those who make this spiritual journey. This morning I content that this is such a time being described in our scripture reading despite the celebratory mood we are hearing.
Storm warnings are something that all of us are familiar with here in Montana . . . especially as we are weaning ourselves off the winter months. For several months we have endured the warnings of the local and national weather authorities concerning impending bad weather. These serve as a prelude to the actual storms allowing for a time of preparation and readiness for the storm . . . a time for bracing ourselves for what is to come. I know ranchers and farmers are grateful for these warnings especially during the calving season. Preparation and readiness take a little of the sting out of the impact of the storms.
Thankfully those warnings are fewer and farther between lately. Yet, we know that we are not out of the woods yet. Spring’s transition from winter brings lots of unstable weather conditions . . . there are still storms lurking out there. There is still the possibility of spring blizzards, and the new addition of tornadoes! During this transition the warning of storms will be appreciated. We will get through them to enter the much-anticipated summer.
Having said all of that . . . how does this celebratory parade in our scripture reading signify a “storm warning”? Primarily because it wasn’t the only parade happening that day. Jerusalem is buzzing with activity as the faithful are gathering for the celebration of the Passover as they are coming from near and far. Thousands are gathering to remember and celebrate the Passover. This is a concern for those who are in power . . . especially the Romans. With the influx of people comes and increase in opportunities for all sorts of things, including rebellion. So, what better way to show power and control than to put one’s might on display. As the simple parade of Jesus enters Jerusalem from the east, Pontius Pilate—the Roman governor—stages his own parade from the west entrance. Brandishing weapons and proclaiming the power of the empire a stern message was delivered . . . sedition, treason, and rebellion will not be tolerated. The punishment for such activity would be death.
The storm warning has been issued. Like most storm warnings it is issued when the weather seems to be great . . . surely the prognosticators don’t know what they are talking about! Unfortunately, this is one time they get it right.
As the followers of Jesus, Palm Sunday marks the start of the end of the journey . . . it is the last stretch of the Lenten journey. There is a lot to be hopeful for as we are mere days from celebrating the gift of Easter . . . the promise of new life. Yet, we must be mindful of the warning . . . there is an impending storm yet to come. The darkness is about to immerse us into a chaotic and difficult time . . . the crescendoing frenzy of Holy Week . . . the darkest hour just before the dawn.
As much as we would like to, we cannot leapfrog Palm Sunday to Easter morning. No, we must find our way through the darkness of Holy Week. But, thankfully, we have been warned.
Palm Sunday represents a nice lull before the storm . . . a bright spot before the darkness. There is much to celebrate . . . much to look forward to . . . reason to shout out “Hosanna!” The end is near . . . redemption is nearly fulfilled . . . the Kingdom is about to happen. The coming of freedom is worth shouting about . . . worth throwing a parade. Yet, we cannot let our optimism overshadow the reality . . . there is a storm warning!
Things are not going to go as smoothly as hoped for. What starts the week with a bang ends with an explosion . . . things go down hill quickly. Expectations are dashed. What is expected is just extinguished, it is crushed. It is crushed in the movement of betrayal, abandonment, trial, beatings, and eventually being nailed to a cross to die. The darkness creeps slowly through the week until it envelopes all in complete darkness. The spark of hope celebrated at the start is put out.
But let us not panic. We have been warned. Let us put on our mudders and enter the darkness of the storm . . . let us trudge ever onward and finish this Lenten journey. Holy Week is never easy, and it definitely is no fun, but it is necessary. With perfect 20/20 hindsight we know how the story ends . . . after all, next Sunday we celebrate Easter with all of its promise. Still we must get through the storm . . . get through the darkness.
Darkness and storms are a part of the spiritual journey. The mystics and spiritual directors have always known this as being a part of growth into the individual’s relationship with God and others. It is what makes the individual stronger in his or her faith. Having been warned . . . let us step into the darkness of the storm to receive the light on the other side. As Ralph Stanley sang in his song, The Darkest Hour is Just Before the Dawn:
The darkest hour is just before dawn
The narrow way leads home
Lay down your soul
Let Jesus in
The darkest hour is just before dawn
The darkest hour is just before dawn
And, all of God’s children said, Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment