Confronting darkness, searching for hope

Early during this Lenten season, when Christians around the world prepare for the joyous celebration of Easter, I was liturgist at church. The scripture story of Abram from Genesis chapter 15 spoke of a “deep and terrifying darkness.” This was counterbalanced by the description in the Gospel of Luke chapter 13 of Jesus’ pure courage in continuing with his work and travel towards death in Jerusalem, which reminds us of the enduring faithfulness of God.

Complete polarity—and extreme dichotomy.

Deep and terrifying darkness is something that confronts most of us at one time or another, usually when we have a difficult life choice to make, and usually greatly diminished after a decision is made. But this season seems very different, something new and unique in my lifetime.