Holy Tuesday, also known as "Great and Holy Tuesday," is sometimes observed by holding special services with reading commemorating the life of Jesus Christ.
Today, I share a photo I took in March 2020 while we were on a short vacation on the island of Lombok, Indonesia. The sun is setting on the day, one of several fun and relaxing days we had on this trip.
This sunset was symbolic of the end of a beautiful time together with my family, away from the pressures and stress of life and ministry. The following day we would head home with our memories packed away and a piece of ourselves left behind.
Little did we know at the time that this sunset would also come to symbolize the end of a season of life. We had been hearing whispers of something called the “coronavirus,” but it was nothing more than faint white noise in the background of our lives. Then, on our final day in Lombok, we learned that the National Basketball Association (NBA) had canceled its season.
Wait…is this coronavirus thing really that big?
Multi-billion dollar sports leagues don’t just cancel their seasons!
Later that day, we got a call from our supervisor demanding that we return home as soon as possible and not leave our home after we got there. I could smell the tropical ocean air of our hotel room as we received this news and prepared to return home the following day, not knowing that a massive transition in our lives had commenced.
Sunday's celebratory shouts of “Hosanna, hosanna!” were tempered with a seemingly agitated Jesus on Monday. And now, as we stop to reflect on this Holy Tuesday, we can see the sun beginning to set. A most unexpected and unwelcome series of events is about to take place. Those many people following Jesus, with hopes and dreams of victory and triumph, would soon be scattered in fear, confusion, and disillusionment.
But for now, the sun remains above the horizon, waiting for the time to come to its fulfillment.
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten young bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and the other five were foolish. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but didn’t bring oil for them. 4 But the wise ones took their lamps and also brought containers of oil.
5 “When the groom was late in coming, they all became drowsy and went to sleep. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Look, the groom! Come out to meet him.’
7 “Then all those bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 But the foolish bridesmaids said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps have gone out.’
9 “But the wise bridesmaids replied, ‘No, because if we share with you, there won’t be enough for our lamps and yours. We have a better idea. You go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they were gone to buy oil, the groom came. Those who were ready went with him into the wedding. Then the door was shut.
11 “Later the other bridesmaids came and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us.’
12 “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore, keep alert, because you don’t know the day or the hour
(Matthew 25:1-13, CEB)
The time is coming.
The sun is slowly making its way toward the horizon.
Darkness is coming, so make sure your lamp is ready to last through the night.
Are you ready?
Is your heart prepared?
Stay alert.
Keep watch.
Be ready.
Thank you for that excellent reminder.
Anita