#WatchAndPray reflections - Holy Week: Easter Eve

We shall weep

Holy Week: Easter Eve

Reading

Matthew 24.15-27

‘So when you see the desolating sacrilege standing in the holy place, as was spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; someone on the housetop must not go down to take what is in the house; someone in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a sabbath. For at that time there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, “Look! Here is the Messiah!” or “There he is!”—do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, “Look! He is in the wilderness”, do not go out. If they say, “Look! He is in the inner rooms”, do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.'

Reflection

Matthew Chapter 24 is a difficult part of the Gospel full of apocalyptic predictions. Many have used it to predict the present age and the future in definitive ways. It is tempting to use it to predict, for example, the coming of the Son of Man, and the how the end time judgement will take place. However, the chapter ends by stating that all should be prepared since the Son of Man will come “at an unexpected hour” (verse 44). Nonetheless, it does warn that what will certainly take place is “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (verse 51).

These difficult passages, like apocalyptic passages generally, remind us of the utter reality of the human condition. Deep suffering is a part of life. Black spiritual traditions remind us that trial and pain are part of being human. But they also remind us that weeping is not the final experience.

Watch

Call to mind places and people in the world today who are in the grip of weeping and grief.

...and pray

for glimpses of the new heaven and earth God promises to bring about.

Copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2024.