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 Our Voices What Do You Think?
What Do You Think?
Current Message
Luckiest Man at the Vigil
In the predawn hours of Saturday, 11 April 2009, I awoke early, threw on a pair of nylon sweatpants and a
fleece sweatshirt, and made my way to church. Still bleary-eyed and fuzzy-headed, I was to relieve those
who had an even earlier time slot in our Easter prayer vigil. While I consider it my great privilege to
participate in the vigil, I was dog-tired and not at all sure I wouldn’t fall asleep like the disciples
before me.
As I entered our sanctuary and walked toward the "stripped" altar, I found myself drawn to the starkness
of the cross. (Even with a newly remodeled space, the cross is a wonderfully strong focal point.) In near
darkness, I began to contemplate what Jesus must have felt in his last hours. I also considered what must
have gone through the minds of his followers after his death but before finding the empty tomb. I re-read
portions of Jesus’ passion story. I read some of the Psalms. Then I simply sat...and listened, hoping to
hear the still, small voice of God.
Instead, I heard birds waking in song. Sitting in solitude, reflecting on the somber side of Jesus’ death,
these birds were a cheerful reminder. Life continues – even after death – because of what Jesus had done for
us. As our community began to awaken – cars hustling drivers to and fro – I began to fully awaken as well.
As I continued my prayer and Bible reading, the sun began to rise. As light began to fill the sanctuary,
the gloom of death surrounding the cross began to disperse. My heart quickened and I began to contemplate
the positive – Jesus’ resurrection to come. As if on cue, the sun rose far enough to shine through our
east side stained glass. As it continued to climb, splashes of color dappled the cross. What wonderful way
for Jesus’ story to play out in sight and sound!
Fully risen, the sun splashed color over the cross. Fully risen, the Son splashes life over death. He is
most certainly risen! Alleluia!
In how many small ways are we blessed to "hear" the voice of God each day?
Jeff Hand ( jhand@isualum.com)
Author's note: Sometimes I stop asking questions long enough to pause and reflect on my own. (The question
above my name came a month later when preparing this piece for the web.)
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