Dallas, on this 'Silent Day' of Passion Week

According to scholars, today - the Wednesday before Easter - marks our Passion Week calendar as, Christ's "Silent Day." After a Sunday of 'Triumphal Entry' - with a quick look around at the Temple, then, at least 2 more days of going to the same to cleanse, correct and teach, many believe Jesus spent this day back in Bethany with his close friends and associates. And, because no specific events in our gospels point to having occurred on this this day, it is called, "Silent."

As I wakened this morning from yesterday's horrific destruction across our city, this word 'silence' spoke volumes to me. For yesterday brought frightening tales - stories of people huddled in bathrooms and under stairs as homes and property ripped from around them. Stories of grandparents and friends clinging to children and pets as wind gusts exceeded 150 miles per hour. Then, familiar descriptions of - "the sound was 'like a train,' and, 'I could hear nothing else - not even my own voice, it was so loud." So that I understand what is meant when some say, silence is powerful. For today, the North Texas silence I hear - is - not just by contrast, but by possibility - especially after last night.

In reality Jesus was never silent. His very coming bore a message from the megaphone of God. So that whether he sat on a hillside alone or preached to hundreds from a boat, both hill, water and boat gave witness that the Creator of the Universe had passed. And now the fact that no story of Christ's action hails from this day does speak - reminding us that God is always communicating - on days of storms and days that follow.

So on 'Silent Days' we may speak, too. We may give thanks to God that life is spared, that across the meteroplex and Dallas love still reigns and that - though property is lost - people are yet kind, caring and compassionate. And, that today... we might have one day more - one 'Silent Day' more - to give Him praise.

To Him be Glory forever!

Pastor Sam