Jesus and Moonshine

Every community has its traditions when death comes around, and one tradition in mine involved a jar or bottle of Moonshine. At a wake or after a burial the men would gather around, and swap stories about the deceased not shared within the eulogy. Their accounts would shine different lights on a life no longer with us, and with each account they would take a sip of the strong and scandalous drink.

Besides their stories of the dead, the men would talk about Jesus (perhaps this is one of the things that piqued my interest in becoming a pastor). They would theologize and shine different lights on the Savior. Lights informed by the Bible, folks tales, and personal life experience. And with each divine thought they would take the jar or bottle from its hiding place, for Moonshine could be sacred when sacred things were discussed.

Sitting With Death

Regardless of how one might feel about the presence of Moonshine, the men did something that is necessary and that many people avoid. When death touched our community they did not soften its blow, and they did not try to beautify it with Bible verses and sweet clichés. They also did not use alternative words and metaphors. Instead, they sat with the Grim Reaper and spoke of how it made them feel.

Contrary to popular belief, death is not a friend. It is a part of life that disrupts our joys, and replaces them with grief, anger, and fear. We grieve those taken from us. We rage at the unfairness of it all. Then, despite what we believe or think is next, we face an endless unknown with questions we cannot answer.

How will it be for us when it is our turn to die?

What if everything that we believe and don’t believe about death is wrong?

How can we extend our lives on earth as long as possible?

What if death is an eternal sleep and permanent oblivion?

A Prayer for Holy Saturday

Truly, the men in my community sat with death when it came, and the same is true for those who follow Christ on Holy Saturday. On this final day of Holy Week, we do more than remember His entombment. We pull up a chair with an enemy that leaves us downcast, vexed, and frightened.

In our sitting we express our feelings while telling the stories of those we lost. Stories that bring us comfort and connection beyond the veil of tears. Yet, as we weep we can rest and find joy, for we hold that death is not the final word despite the pain that it brings.

Though a powerful enemy, death is a defeated enemy. It has been conquered through a cross and grave that were taken up on our behalf. Therefore, we can sit with the Grim Reaper with hope amidst despair, and speak with gratitude for the One who gave His life that we might live.

Here is my prayer for this year’s Holy Saturday, and feel free to use it.

Almighty God, Whose precious Son endured the cross, we look back to His stony tomb and take the time to feel His death. Help us to not skip over the darkness of Holy Saturday, and fast forward to the light of Resurrection on Easter morn. Just as Christ has risen we acknowledge that He has died, and our joys have been replaced by sorrows that leave us without words. We sit with the grief, anger, and fear brought by an enemy, and we stare it in the face with hope for it has been defeated. Death is not the final word, and for this we give You thanks and praise. To You be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The image featured in this post is by Scotty J. Williams.