This Week @ Monday Creek: History and Cosmos

 

The Ides of March came and went without much ado. Falling on the 15^th of March, it was a significant date in ancient Rome. It gained notoriety due to a pivotal event that occurred in 44 BCE. It marks the assassination of Julius Caesar. A group of senators, led by Brutus, believed that Caesar's growing power threatened the Roman Republic. The assassination took place in the Theatre of Pompey in Rome, forever altering the course of history. As the daggers struck Caesar, he reportedly uttered the famous phrase,“Et tu, Brute?” (meaning “And you, Brutus?”). My high school Latin teacher retold this event like a fairytale-bedtime story. Even bad players have so-called friends. The betrayal by Caesar’s close friend Brutus added a tragic and dramatic element. 

Since this is Holy week, I hesitate giving Julius Caesar a place on my blog, but characters like Caesar had an impact on the Easter story. Palm Sunday (last Sunday) is the celebration of Jesus' ride into Jerusalem. Palm branches are symbolic of God's temporary shelters or "tabernacles" that God provided the Israelites in the wilderness. We will embrace Good Friday, the day Christ was crucified, and Sunday Sunrise Service early Easter morning to celebrate our Risen Savior.

Looking further ahead comes the solar eclipse, the rare astronomical phenomenon, a total solar eclipse on April 8^th. This year’s eclipse will persist for nearly four-plus minutes. The moon will completely block out the sun, casting darkness over the Earth. The sun will be near solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year activity cycle. Expect bright, petal-like streamers of plasma extending from the sun. Scientists anticipate a potential coronal mass ejection, a massive puff of hot gas ejected from the sun’s surface. Approximately thirty-two million people will find themselves within the path of totality, stretching across North America. The eclipse will begin at 12:10 p.m. Mountain Time, cross the United States, and exit through southeastern Canada around 5:15 p.m. Most libraries carry viewing glasses; however, experts warn that glasses must be of a certain thickness or you could damage your eyes.

As we reflect on the Ides of March, Easter, and anticipate the solar eclipse, let’s marvel at the intersection of history and the cosmos. How are they linked? My viewpoint: Friends do not need a historical date to drive a knife (sadly), my Lord and Savior is in control, and the unstoppable eclipse reminds us of how fragile we really are.

Remember to mark your calendars for April 8, 2024, and step outside to witness the moon’s dance with the sun—a spectacle that transcends time and connects us to the vast universe. In the meantime, I will celebrate with you the love and faithfulness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. Luke 24: 6-7 KJV

May your friends be true, and your sense of awe boundless.