May 1 was a Sunday this year. Yes, we are already in the month of May. May is a packed month full of significant days for a variety of reasons. Next Sunday, May 8, is the second Sunday of the month. The second Sunday of the May is…Mother’s Day! This year Mother’s Day falls on the earliest day in May that special observation can occur. This is a day for remembering and giving thanks for special women and families who have shaped us in some way.
Star Wars Day is today, May 4. You have to say the whole date for it to have any meaning. May the Fourth. May the Fourth be with you! In other words, you get the famous line from the Star Wars movies – “May the Force with you!” I thoroughly enjoyed dressing up as Darth Vader and helping with the morning announcements at school.
Next up is a day some people regard with a little trepidation. When a month begins on a Sunday there will be a Friday the 13th happening. This is just another day for most people, but I will be watching out for black cats, throwing salt over my shoulder, avoiding mirrors, not walking under any ladders…just to be on the safe side.
May brings the end of school for students in most of Arizona. (HOORAY!) With the ending of school comes graduations, which as special for the graduates and their families.
At the end of May is Memorial Day. This sis a day to honor those who have served our country and also those who, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, have given “the last full measure of their devotion.”
These are some ways we mark the passage of time. Remembering special days. Milestones along the way. Significant occurrences. Some with deserved seriousness and some with light-hearted fun. Birthdays and anniversaries also make that list.
How do we mark the passage of time as Christians? Thomas the disciple of Jesus was not with the other disciples on Easter evening when Jesus suddenly appeared to them. The other disciples told him but he Thomas refused to believe this news unless he saw this for himself. How did Thomas mark the passage of time that week when he was struggling with what to believe? What did he do to help make some sense of this unimaginable situation? What would you do? Perhaps you would talk to family members or friends. Perhaps you would pray. Perhaps you would read some scriptures or meditations that bring you comfort, strength, hope or peace. Perhaps you would spend time reflecting and sorting through your thoughts and emotions.
I think Thomas did some of those thigs. Praying, reflecting, talking with friends and family. I don’t think he hid away for days on end. I think that he may have found comfort in continuing to live the way Jesus had taught his disciples. He knew then what we know today. Routines, structure, and purpose in our daily lives help us make something of our days. What do we do as Christians helps give structure to our day. Giving of ourselves in some way. Caring for others.
I think that Thomas did some of these things as he wrestled with the unexpected and stunning news of the resurrection of Christ. Was it true? What did it mean? And because he marked that time with purpose, he was ready, when it was right for him, for that news to make a profound difference in his life.
But a wise Christian person will tell you, that there is sone conscious thought. Quiet prayer, reading of scripture, involvement in some activity that helps you live out your faith, being a part of a church community, giving life to a church community. Being in worship. Consciously giving of youraself…
As we mark the time
Have a great week!
Pastor Rick