Passion Sunday

No Happy Ending in This World

The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. -- Isaiah 50:7

Let's just put this on the table.   Holy Week is mysterious and filled with wonder, and some of us look at it as a time that is tender and awe-filled.   But is is also awful.

As we experience, together, the story of the approach to the crucifixion, we have the opportunity to look honestly at our own place in the story.  Each of us can see that this world has no happy ending to offer us.  Every day each one of us is one day closer to the day we will no longer exist as the "self" we know.  In the end, life as we know it will end.

We may have lucky days.  We may have moments that shimmer with a glimpse of perfection.  But nothing in this world, and nothing of human production will last.  As we breathe our last breath and die, there will be the exhalation that says that our time is finished.   There will be no more chances to solve the problems.  There will be no more time to hope for  just one more opportunity to say or do the right thing.

It is not until we gasp in awe at God's promised presence which shines boldly even in death "to this world" that we will see happiness that is "ever after."

Prayer:  Gracious God, help me see where my expectations are focused upon the hopelessness of this world.  Help me set my eyes upon the eternal joy that only you an provide.