Monday, March 29, 2021

Passover, Easter, and a Supertanker


The March full moon, or Worm Moon...hmm...was yesterday, Sunday, at three in the afternoon. We were in the midst of a downpour and it was daytime, so we didn't see anything out there, let alone the moon. We were aware of its almost-full clarity on Saturday night. 

This moon is important for Jews and Christians, both with Passover and Easter. Yesterday marked the beginning of Passover and because Easter is on the first Sunday after the full moon of the Spring Equinox it will be this coming Sunday. Jesus was in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover in the days before his death, and the Last Supper was a Pesach seder. He agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane in the light of the moon. 

                                                                 

                                                              Gethsemane -- Julia Stanvoka 

I figure that us Groundlings need to acknowledge the rhythms and cycles of Earth and Moon which influence the seas as well as the seasons of our faiths. While we can calculate the tides precisely there is also a profound mystery to them which can open us to the Creator. 

Over the past few days one of the most important shipping routes on the planet, the Suez Canal, has been blocked by a supertanker. It was wedged so tightly against both banks that there was speculation it could take weeks to float the ship again. While there were excavation crews and tugboats doing their best to float the ship, it was last night's tide and the moon which probably set it free. 

The sky is clear here today, so we may see the moon tonight. If we can, we can ponder our place in the solar system with a sense of wonder. We can also have a sense of reverence as we make our way through Passover and Holy Week. 


                                                 Supertanker Ever Given floated in Suez Canal 

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