I have a pinch hitter this week...Sharon. On Sunday, I preached about the curtain of the temple being torn in two after Jesus breathed his last and Sharon had a great reflection on what this might mean for our world today. So, thank you Sharon and enjoy!
The scripture this past Sunday was Matthew 27:45-54 “and the curtains were rent in two”. Most of us are probably aware that when Christ was on the cross the curtain at the temple was torn. I, for one, had no idea of the significance of this. Pastor Micah related that the curtain served to separate the “Holiest of Holy” places from the rest of the temple. It was opened only one time per year and only by high priests who had thoroughly cleansed themselves. Jesus changed everything!
I have been mulling over the meaning of this and wonder if this is not perhaps the ultimate parable?! Do we drape ourselves in a “curtain” to separate ourselves from God and each other? Is the curtain torn through faith and Baptism? Do others have the same daily/ sometimes hourly struggle as I do to keep that curtain open?
In one of Pastor Micah’s previous blogs he suggested that , perhaps, especially when we are in church, we should be more open to each other (my interpretation). I was horrified! Let someone in to see the inner me? People would fall over in their haste to run! I pulled my curtain tighter.
However, I have learned that even when I let a little of me out it lifts me up. I have someone with whom to share my struggles and triumphs.
The picture on the front of the bulletin says it all. It’s me, peeking through, struggling to get out. I pray daily for God to guide me/ to open that curtain a little more.
Peace!
Sharon
PS... When I sat down to write this I said, “God, you gotts give me the words.” He yanked my curtain.
I have been mulling over the meaning of this and wonder if this is not perhaps the ultimate parable?! Do we drape ourselves in a “curtain” to separate ourselves from God and each other? Is the curtain torn through faith and Baptism? Do others have the same daily/ sometimes hourly struggle as I do to keep that curtain open?
In one of Pastor Micah’s previous blogs he suggested that , perhaps, especially when we are in church, we should be more open to each other (my interpretation). I was horrified! Let someone in to see the inner me? People would fall over in their haste to run! I pulled my curtain tighter.
However, I have learned that even when I let a little of me out it lifts me up. I have someone with whom to share my struggles and triumphs.
The picture on the front of the bulletin says it all. It’s me, peeking through, struggling to get out. I pray daily for God to guide me/ to open that curtain a little more.
Peace!
Sharon
PS... When I sat down to write this I said, “God, you gotts give me the words.” He yanked my curtain.
The 'New' inner me is beginning to be more Christ like. I owe it all to HIS mercy and grace. I've opened 'my curtain' to GOD,(not that HE hasn't seen my sin(s), but to open to other's what I use to be... thing's I've done! I can't imagine it! And is it even necessary? I'm forgiven... He was forsaken. It's a Grand New Day!
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