There are no Scripture passages that describe Holy Saturday. There are no accounts of disciples huddled in the Upper Room wondering how the life of Jesus came to an end on Calvary. There are no stories of what the disciples were thinking… or not thinking. Their world had been torn asunder. But were they hopeful? Were they well grounded in the meaning of the word “hope“? Are we?
A team from Dartmouth University, in conjunction with Major League Baseball (MLB) has reported that the increase in average temperatures has led to an increase in home runs per year (50) since 2010 and 1% increase in the likelihood of home runs for every degree increase in temperature. Global warming is juicing the baseball. The increase in temperature decreases air density which in turn reduces aerodynamic drag on the baseball, allowing the ball to travel farther. Last year’s catch on the warning track is now more likely to clear the wall. This bit of scientific sports trivia was provided in this Friday’s bulletin of the American Meteorological Society.
It is when the women respond to the angel’s command to go quickly and tell (v. 7) — and they leave quickly, running to tell the disciples (v. 8) — that the risen Jesus appears to them. Part of Matthew’s purpose in this account is to show the reality of the physical resurrection as the women grab his feet; and the proper response of worshiping the risen Lord (v. 9). The women are already en route on their mission when they are joined by the risen Christ, a paradigm of Matthew’s understanding of the reassuring presence of the risen Christ in the missionary activity of the church (cf. 1:23; 10:40; 13:37; 14:22-33; 16:18; 17:17; 18:5, 20; 28:20). Continue reading
friarmusings 