When was the last time you saw something that filled you with wonder? By all counts, an opportunity is upon us, and many are intrigued. People will be coming to Bloomington in large numbers on Monday, April 8, to witness four minutes of a total eclipse of the sun. We are told that so many people will be coming that schools and many businesses will be closed. We anticipate crowded roads, and local residents are encouraged to travel as little as possible, and to keep gas tanks filled. We also are told to expect interruptions to internet and cell phone service. All of a sudden, landline phones will be popular again, at least for a few hours. We humans go to great lengths to see something wonderful.
Eclipses, as unique as they are, are hardly new. Thousands of years ago, a Hebrew prophet named Joel spoke of a “Day of the Lord” that would come to Israel. On this day, people would see “the sun turn to darkness and the moon to blood.” The Day of the Lord refers, in part, to a time in which consequences come to Israel due to covenantal unfaithfulness. But more positively, the “Day of the Lord” also refers to a unique divine movement which brings salvation and blessing to all who call upon God’s name. Prophets like Joel, Walter Brueggemann notes, see an alternative future to the existing broken social reality, and the Day of the Lord signals the arrival of that new future. For Joel, these signs were full of wonder.
Ancient people of varied religious traditions had long noted eclipses and, like the Hebrews, interpreted them in two distinct ways. For some, the eclipse meant something ominous coming to the earth. For others, the eclipse was a time to become deeply reverent, and to connect with the divine energy that was bringing sacred moments to the world. On Monday, we’ll be invited to see how we will respond.
Let’s talk about this Sunday at St. Mark’s, on the day before the eclipse. The sermon is titled “The Sun Shall Turn to Darkness.” It arises from Joel 2: 21-32, which will be read by Tom Shafer. We’ll be led musically by the Chancel Choir, led by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Lois Leong. We’ll have a moment for children, sing together, and pray for local and global concerns. As a gift, we’ll also have protective glasses for all who attend so that they may more safely view the eclipse.
Whether you are new to St. Mark’s or have a longstanding connection with the church, we look forward to seeing you at 10:30 on Sunday in the sanctuary. If you choose to connect online, visit www.smumc.church and click on the Live Stream banner.