When “I Don’t Know” is the Answer to too Many Questions
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Scripture
The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it. His disciples did not understand these things at first; then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him. The Pharisees then said to one another, “You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!” (John 12:13-19 (blended) NRSV)
When “I Don’t Know” is the Answer to too Many Questions
Yesterday was Palm Sunday, normally a big day for church gatherings, but not for this pandemic era. The event it’s based on had its own virus, darkness and confusion mingled with the shouts of joy and anticipation of the throngs.
Jesus’ closest friends were caught up with the events but didn’t really know what was happening. The virus of hate was triggered by Jesus’ popularity and his opponents resolved to find a way to have him killed. Death and confusion were quietly streaming in the midst of the celebration.
Cases of the illness are coming closer to home with each passing day – maybe some of you have already been infected. The rest of us hunker down, wondering when it will end, not absolutely sure how to avoid getting or spreading the infection, facing uncertain employment and financial implications – the list goes on.
Pious bromides seem almost ridiculous but a deep faith in the God who has come to us in Jesus is irreplaceable. This Holy Week doesn’t offer ease and comfort – Jesus suffered and died, after all. But resurrection does come from death, hope comes from fear and light emerges from the darkness. No answers but Divine Presence.
A Prayer for Today
Loving God this is a time of anxiety for so many of us, and yet we are called to persevere in the disciplines that are not just good for us but also for our neighbours.
When full understanding is not possible, give us faith to trust in you anyway.
When our questions are greater than our answers, give us faith to trust in you anyway.
When our doubts outweigh our certainties, give us faith to trust in you anyway.
