Luke 23:44-46

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.

This Sunday is the last day of the current 3 year lectionary cycle. We jump to the end of Luke’s gospel, which we have been working through this year. Our reading today, from Luke 22 and 23, retells Jesus’s arrest, trial, crucifixion and death. It represents the darkest point of Luke’s story. There is a deep irony here. Jesus, who should have been acknowledged as King, is disposed of as a criminal. Where is the happy story to get us ready for Christmas? That will come… in time.

Our reading today is a story that resonates with all who live through dark times. Those who suffer from fire, disaster, war and tragedy don’t look for a mighty leader to save them. They respond to those who will listen and understand. They respond to the “man of sorrows”. As we prepare for Christmas we will always remember Easter.