Pastoral Resident Rachel Fitch with Stephen and baby Isaac.
Every 3 hours. That is how frequently a newborn eats in the early days of life, sometimes even every 2 hours. If you have a child or have known someone who does, you might remember those early days. Those nighttime feedings feel long and endless.
While I sat there one night, my husband got up with us and read scripture from one of his many prayer books. As he read, I could not help but think of the monastic life. You see, in many monastic orders, monks and nuns prayer every 3 hours. For some, they even rise to pray at midnight, 3 am, and then again at 6 am. Their time of prayer, breaking up sleep, is a reminder of our dependence on God. After only a week or two of it, I can’t say I am called to the monastic prayer schedule. But I cannot help but think of infancy.
As a newborn eats, we are reminded of their reliance on those who gave them life. Are we not called to live, in reliance on the One who has given us life? For God formed our inward parts, God knit us together in our mother’s womb. We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, who knew us when we were being intricately woven in the depths of the earth (Psalm 139).
Thinking about all that is going on in our world, we are mindful that in good and joyful times, in long and waiting times, or in tragic and heart-wrenching times, God is with us. Like an infant dependent on their mother, we are dependent on God.
As we enter this Holy Week, might we reflect on our Lord who gave us life and on our Savior Christ through whom we have new life. During these three days that lead to Easter, might we reflect on our reliance on God. During these three days, might we reflect on all who sat vigil: of the disciples at the Passover Supper, of the few gathered in the garden at Gethsemane, of the disciples waiting on Friday, and of the women who tended to Jesus’ tomb.
As we go about our daily routines, might we remember that we, like infants, are dependent on God. Might we reflect on Christ’s life – whether in the early morning hours or as perhaps you, too, are up in the middle of the night. And, as we gather to worship, walking through the pain of the crucifixion and then again as we rejoice in the resurrection, might we lift our praises to God.
