Today is the first full day of Passover and also Palm Sunday for Orthodox Christians. While our brothers and sisters of faith (Jewish and Christian) are celebrating these spring feasts of liberation and redemption, we Western Christians are more than halfway through the Easter Season.
Like Christians for many centuries, I hate this division. I have Jewish friends and Eastern Orthodox friends and it seems like together we could offer a better witness to the world of God's goodness if we celebrated these great feasts in better harmony.
I think it is silly that in spite of repeated attempts, Christians cannot agree on a common date for Easter. I think it is silliest of Western Christians not to adopt the Eastern practice which brings Easter into proximity with Passover, thereby highlighting the historic setting of Jesus' death and Resurrection and also offering opportunities for shared reflection on God's saving grace among Jews and Christians.
But, I trust that in our silliness, God is in fact continuing to work for our liberation. So, may these feasts be opportunities for us all to seek greater unity with one another. May we remember one another in our celebrations and wish each other peace.
If God had given us each only one chance at redemption, and not continued to invite us into greater wholeness, it would have been enough, Dayenu.
Da-da-ye-nu
Da-da-ye-nu
Da-da-ye-nu
Dayenu, Deyenu,
Deyenu!
- Donna McNiel
- I'm a world traveler and an Episcopal priest. The two are intimately entwined because in travel I see the wonder of God's world in the diversity of people, art, and culture. I love talking to people about the most important questions in our lives: Who are we? Who is God? What is our purpose? Why must Thin Mints be SO irresistible?! And anything else that really matters. I also love cooking and how it can take me back to places that have captivated me. Thanks for reading!
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