The title of this reflection is a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and sums up for me what the Saturday before Easter is about. Just yesterday, our rabbi, Messiah, miracle working, Son of God and friend has been scourged and publicly put to death in a humiliating and agonizing way. We have scattered in the wind, unsure of what’s next. Some of us are leaving town, heading toward Emmaus. We know something big just happened, as there was darkness in the sky, and quaking of the Earth as Jesus died. We don’t recall or didn’t understand that he would be back in a few days, to prove that he achieved victory over death. And, we remain hidden, finishing off the Sabbath, wondering what is next. What awaits us when Sunday comes? How can this be?
Isaac and Abraham Wait
There are many readings to choose from on today’s official readings. I will focus on the story of Abraham and Isaac as it involves waiting.
God is going to put Abraham to the test. Isaac, though his long -awaited son, is to be sacrificed by Abraham. Isaac is probably excited to go on a road trip to Moriah with his Dad and some servants. As they reach the appointed sacrifice spot, Isaac unknowingly gathers wood on which is supposed to be used as part of his sacrifice.
At this point, Abraham knows what needs to be done, and he grabs his son, and ties him to the sacrificial altar. It must have been a troubling few days for Abraham, waiting for the inevitable and troubling event to take place. Isaac is taken by surprise, for why should his beloved Father Abraham want to kill him. The moments must have seemed like a lifetime, as Abraham raised the knife above Isaac, its blade sparkling in the sun, and both son and father await the completion of this shocking ordeal.
An angel stops the killing, Abraham passes the test of Faith, and Isaac can breathe again, knowing that his time is not now. I’m fairly certain Abraham then explained to Isaac why this all transpired. The sacrifice takes place, but with a wild animal instead of a young boy. Phew!
Uncertainty
Waiting, especially when the future is unknown, can be a troubling time. The waiting can be as troubling as the potential outcome. Jesus died on Friday. We, however, know how the story ends, so we are less troubled by the waiting until Easter Morning.
We also know that the Holy Spirit came into play in a big way about 50 days later, when we celebrate Pentecost. I reflect on how the disciples and followers of Jesus handled the waiting; I feel terrible for them. But I also gain solace that they get to see the end result, and for many, their faith and understanding is hardened and made permanent. They can put the pieces together for themselves, so they know that their agony and anguish were not in vain.
They will continue to interact with the Risen Christ for about 50 days, not realizing that he will depart from them to Heaven on Pentecost. So, they are waiting again, but this time with their friend appearing to them occasionally. This 50-day waiting period was probably not as difficult as the period before his Resurrection.
The next time you happen to hear Tom Petty on the radio or on your phone, think about the 11, Mother Mary, and the other followers as they waited for something to happen after Friday’s crucifixion. Is waiting the hardest part?
