During a Passover Seder, four questions are asked:
On all other nights, we eat chametz (leavened foods) and matzah. Why on this night, only matzah?
On all other nights, we eat all vegetables. Why, on this night, maror (bitter herbs)?
On all other nights, we don’t dip even once. Why on this night do we dip twice?
On all other nights, we eat either sitting upright or reclining. Why on this night do we all recline?
This year, some say that a fifth question has been added:
On all other years, we observe Passover with friends and family. How is this year different than other years?
An astute teacher pointed out that this is the first Passover… since the very first Passover… that observers are shut in. Israel, specifically, is on lockdown. Another said we are literally believing that, as on the first Passover, the destroyer will pass over our houses.
Many Christians believe in “pleading the blood,” meaning that they pray in the power of the One who shed His blood for humanity, and therefore are standing upon that power tonight. They believe that He sets us free and we are slaves to our selfish nature no more. On the first Passover, blood was literally painted on the doorposts of the Israelites so that they were saved from the plague. Soon after, they were able to flee Egypt.
Are these mere fairy tales? Or are these concepts of infinite importance as our entire planet is in the throes of a plague? Some may reject and denigrate those with faith, but many others are looking to God for deliverance at this time. Increasing numbers of people are finding divine meaning in this pandemic, recognizing it as a grand reset. This may be a reset of our priorities, of our values, of how we spend our time and with whom. Many are discovering new talents and new strengths, including new ways to generate income.
As we celebrate this strange social distancing Passover, expect miracles. Mankind is working hard to end this plague and we should. That work combined with sincere faith, which activates that wonder-working power, is going to overcome this alien invader. We will come out stronger– spiritually stronger, economically stronger, stronger in our relationships with others.
The night may be dark and the aether laden with risk. However, as the people of the cross like to say this week, it’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming. חג שמח!
©2020 H. Hiatt/wildninjablog.com. All articles/posts on this blog are copyrighted original material that may not be reproduced in part or whole in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from H. Hiatt/wildninjablog.com.
Truth, Justice, and All-American Allergen-Free Apple Pie 